Generation of K-shell radiation in a double shell plasma liner with a microsecond current generator

Experiments on the generation of K-shell radiation in a double-shell neon liner with a microsecond Current generator (tau approximate to 1 mus, I-max = 380 kA) are described. The yield of neon K-shell radiation attains 50-80 J per pulse. For the given current amplitude, such a radiation yield could be expected at a rise time as low as tau approximate to 100 ns. Such a high radiation efficiency may be attributed to the sharpening of the front of the inner-shell current pulse because of the detachment of the outer shell from the electrode. (C) 2001 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".