In relativistic electron beam diodes, the self-generated magnetic field causes electron-beam focusing at the center of the anode. Generally, plasma is formed all over the anode surface during and after the process of the beam focusing. In this work, we use visible-light Zeeman-effect spectroscopy for the determination of the magnetic field in the anode plasma in the Sandia 10 MV, 200 kA (RITS-6) electron beam diode. The magnetic field is determined from the Zeeman-dominated shapes of the Al III 4s-4p and C IV 3s-3p doublet emissions from various radial positions. Near the anode surface, due to the high plasma density, the spectral line-shapes are Stark-dominated, and only an upper limit of the magnetic field can be determined. The line-shape analysis also yields the plasma density. The data yield quantitatively the magnetic-field shielding in the plasma. The magnetic-field distribution in the plasma is compared to the field-diffusion prediction and found to be consistent with the Spitzer resistivity, estimated using the electron temperature and charge-state distribution determined from line intensity ratios.
This LDRD investigated plasma formation, field strength, and current loss in pulsed power diodes. In particular the Self-Magnetic Pinch (SMP) e-beam diode was studied on the RITS-6 accelerator. Magnetic fields of a few Tesla and electric fields of several MV/cm were measured using visible spectroscopy techniques. The magnetic field measurements were then used to determine the current distribution in the diode. This distribution showed that significant beam current extends radially beyond the few millimeter x-ray focal spot diameter. Additionally, shielding of the magnetic field due to dense electrode surface plasmas was observed, quantified, and found to be consistent with the calculated Spitzer resistivity. In addition to the work on RITS, measurements were also made on the Z-machine looking to quantify plasmas within the power flow regions. Measurements were taken in the post-hole convolute and final feed gap regions on Z. Dopants were applied to power flow surfaces and measured spectroscopically. These measurements gave species and density/temperature estimates. Preliminary B-field measurements in the load region were attempted as well. Finally, simulation work using the EMPHASIS, electromagnetic particle in cell code, was conducted using the Z MITL conditions. The purpose of these simulations was to investigate several surface plasma generations models under Z conditions for comparison with experimental data.