Simulation of X-Ray Spectra in Multi-Material Micro-Pinches

The dynamics of micro-pinch formation is often investigated through time-resolved measurements of x-ray emission, including L- and K-shell lines. Previous studies of single-material micro-pinches have measured L-shell emission during compression and a continuum burst at stagnation, followed by L- and K-shell emission during expansion [1]. A micro-pinch containing multiple materials offers the opportunity to tailor the x-ray spectra so line emission occurs at key times during the compression phase. Simulations of multi-material micro-pinches are presented for several candidate materials to determine the best combinations for future experiments. The dynamics of the micropinch is handled with the XMHD code PERSEUS and the output is coupled to SPECT3D, a radiation transport code. The combination of codes predicts the observable x-ray spectra during the compression stage of the micro-pinch. These results will inform ongoing experimental efforts on the XP pulsed power driver at Cornell University’s Laboratory of Plasma Studies.



[1] Elshafiey, A. T. “Investigation of X-Pinch Plasma Dynamics Using a Ps Time-Resolved X-Ray Streak Camera” Doctoral thesis (Cornell University 2023).