Investigation of fusion-reaction protons from PF-discharges

Abstract

The paper describes results of the recent measurements of fusion-reaction protons, which were performed within the large PF-1000 facility operated at IPPLM in Warsaw. The main aim of those studies was to perform time-integrated measurements of fast (about 3-MeV) protons by means of ion-pinhole cameras, which were equipped with nuclear track detectors (of the PM-355 type) and appropriate absorption filters. To determine the angular distribution of fusion protons the use was made of seven miniature pinhole cameras placed at different angles to the PF-1000 axis. The irradiated and etched detectors were analyzed with an optical microscope. To gain more information about fusion processes occurring inside the high-temperature deuterium plasma, the results were compared with those provided by other diagnostics. The most important result is a comparison of the fusion-reaction protons characteristics with the results of neutron and hard X-ray measurements. Fusion-reaction neutron measurements, which were performed by means of a few scintillation-probes placed at different distances from the PF facility electrode outlet, delivered some complementary information.