Hard X-Ray Diagnostic of Z-Pinch Discharges

An experimental technique for the detection and time-resolved characterisation of hard X-radiation from a Z-pinch is described. The detectors employed consist of combinations of plastic scintillators and photomultipliers tubes coupled through optical fiber. The scintillators were fitted with thick aluminium and lead filters and cross filtering is then used to obtain the energy of the X-rays. It was found that the X-rays can reach energies of up to 4 MeV, much higher than the applied voltage. The observed radiation intensity varied with the disruption time lag.