Effect of filling gas on hard x-rays and ion beam emission from a 2 kJ plasma focus device

Abstract

ABSTRACT The effects of the atomic number of the fill gas on hard x-ray and ion beam emission from a 2.2 kJ plasma focus were studied. Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Argon gases were used in the experiment. The anode voltage and discharge current were measured to calculate plasma inductance and to study the pinching regime in the three gases. The results showed that the heavier gas in the machine increases the duration of x-ray radiation, ion beam emission, and results in larger pinching plasma inductance. The Lee model suggests that the increase in the pinching plasma inductance can be explained by the occurrence of radiation collapse in the pinch operated with Argon gas. It is postulated that the occurrence of anomalous plasma heating may stop plasma compression and prevent the plasma from a complete collapse to reach near-zero radius.