Development of a Blumlein generator dedicated to a fast capillary discharge XUV source

After the feasibility of discharge pumped X-ray lasers was shown by JJ, Roc ca et al., different experimental set-up have been proposed as fast capilla ry discharge drivers. At GREMI we develop a high voltage pulsed generator i n order to drive a Z-pinch capillary discharge which is capable to create a plasma highly emissive in the XUV region. The generator is based on a Blum lein-like pulse forming line (PFL). Two transmission lines in parallel disc harge through a polyacetal capillary which is 53.5 mm long and 3.5 nim in d iameter. The discharge can be triggered by a low inductive surface switch. Rates of current rise time up to 1.4(.)10(12) A(.)s(-1) have been achieved. Electrical as well as time integrated spectroscopic investigations have be en carried out. High degrees of ionization were obtained even at rather low stored energy (E=20 J). Argon ion lines have been identified up to Ar XII.