Z-pinch experiments on Saturn at 30 TW

We have recently completed the first gas-puff z-pinch on Saturn (32 TW, 1.4 MJ, 1.9 MV, 40-ns FWHM, and 0.11 ohm). These experiments used the most powerful driver to date for fast z-pinch experiments. Saturn, a 36 module accelerator, uses a double post-hole vacuum convolute to deliver the total machine current to the load. The 10-nH Saturn z-pinch diode is capable of delivering a peak current of 10.5 MA. We diagnosed the current using segmented Rogowski coils at the insulator, resistive shunts in the vacuum transmission lines, and B-dot loops and piezoelectric pressure gauges near the load. On most shots electrical losses in the vacuum convolute were minimal with nearly complete current delivery to the z-pinch load. We have conducted experiments with deuterium, neon, argon, krypton, and xenon gas puffs. A maximum total radiation yield of 505 + or - 25 kJ was obtained with xenon. The peak keV X-ray yields were 100 + or - 5 kJ for neon K-shell radiation, 30 + or - 4 kJ for krypton L-shell radiation, and 39 + or - 4 kJ for argon K-shell radiation.