Efficiency of plasma focus for argon K-series line radiaton emission

X-radiation emission from a low-energy Mather-type plasma focus operated wi th argon is investigated. Attention is paid to finding the pressure range f or the highest argon K-series Line emission. The argon line radiation yield is highest at 1.5 mbar and the emitted energy in 4 pi geometry is estimate d to be about 30 mJ, with a system efficiency of 0.0015%. The emission at a n energy exceeding 3 keV is found to be highest at a 0.5 mbar filling press ure, giving a total yield of 0.7 J in 4 pi geometry, which corresponds to a device efficiency of about 0.028%. This emission is mainly due to the inte raction of energetic electrons with the anode.