Discovery of Third Possible Ion Generating Source in 4π Plasma Focus Device Space.

Abstract

Discovery of a possible third source of ion generation in 4π Plasma Focus Device (PFD) space is reported. Unexpected observation of dense ion tracks, called "On Shadow Ion Tracks" (OSIT), on the "ion cathode shadows" (ICS) was discovered. These ions were formed on panorama mega-size cylindrical polycarbonate ion image detectors placed behind the cathodes in the PFD space on PFD wall, where no ion tracks are expected to exist. Such unexpected ion tracks were observed when different gases were used, in particular hydrogen, deuterium, and helium. An ICS is formed on the detector when each cathode shadows and removes all ions bombarding it from the "anode top" and "anode cathodes assembly." Such ion tracks forming the OSITs seem to be generated not from the "anode top" and "a node cathodes assembly" but also from a third possible ion source in PFD space bombarding the detector.