The dense plasma focus — A high intensity neutron source

Abstract

The dense plasma focus formed under special conditions at the open end of a coaxial accelerator is considered as a plasma neutron source the versatility of which is still unexplored. The neutron yield in space and time as well as the neutron spectrum are determined by the local parameters of the plasma and the surrounding fusionable gas. The physics governing these parameters together with the diagnostics for measuring these quantities are treated in detail. The engineering problems associated with the creation, compression and heating of the plasma are described in particular. Two different types of energy storage systems, a capacitive one and an inductive one are discussed. As examples two devices already in operation are described in detail: one for particular high neutron yield per discharge (10 13 dd-neutrons) and one for high repetition rates (two discharges per second at a yield of 6 × 10 9 dd-neutrons per discharge). Finally the perspectives for developing the plasma focus as a neutron source with a flux of 14 MeV neutrons beyond 10 15 neutrons/cm 2·s are discussed.