Use of Z-pinch sources for high-pressure shock wave experiments

Recent developments have demonstrated the use of pulsed power for producing intense radiation sources (z-pinches) that can drive planar shock waves in samples with spatial dimensions significantly larger than possible with other radiation sources. In this paper, we will discuss the use of z-pinch sources for shock wave studies at multi-Mbar pressures. Experimental plans to use the technique for absolute shock Hugoniot measurements and with accuracies comparable to that obtained with gun launchers are discussed.