Low Energy Plasma Focus Research Articles

Experimental study and two-dimensional modelling of the plasma dynamics of magnetically driven shock waves in a coaxial tube

Plasma shocks can be magnetically driven during high current discharges in low-pressure gases, induced by an external electric circuit. Radial currents between two coaxial electrodes can be accelerated to velocities of the order of 10 cm µs−1, thus being an effective method to transform potential energy in kinetic energy. A series of experiments were conducted using a low energy plasma focus device to measure the dynamics of plasma shocks in coaxial tubes. The radial position of the current sheath near the closed end of the electrodes was determined by means of a magnetic probe. The pinching time at the open end of the electrodes was measured using a Rogowski coil. Both, the movement and shaping of the plasma sheath were modelled by means of finite elements. The sheath was represented by coupled conical segments carrying current, mass, internal energy and momentum. The Lorentz force accelerates each element in its normal direction, which leads to the continuous reshaping of the sheath. The numerical results are compared against the experimental data showing good agreement.

X-ray enhancement from a plasma focus by inserting lead at the anode tip

Study of X-ray emission from a low-energy (1.8 kJ) plasma focus device powered by a 9 μF capacitor bank, charged at 20 kV and giving peak discharge current of about 175 kA by using lead inserted copper tapered anode is reported. The X-ray yield in different energy windows is measured as a function of hydrogen filling pressure. The maximum yield in 4 π-geometry is found to be 27.3±1.1 J and corresponding wall plug efficiency for X-ray generation is 1.52±0.06%. The feasibility of the device as an intense X-ray source for radiography is demonstrated.

Plasma Focus as a High Intensity Flash X-Ray Source for Biological Radiography

A study on X-ray emission from a low energy (3.3 kJ) plasma focus (PF) device operated with hydrogen is reported. X-ray are detected by using an X-ray detector consisting of three Quantrad Si PIN-diodes with differential filtering and with a pinhole camera. The X-ray yield in different energy windows is measured as a function of hydrogen filling pressure. The maximum yield in 4π-geometry is found to be 46.6 J and corresponding wall plug efficiency for X-ray generation is 1.40%. In particular, to demonstrate feasibility of the present PF as a high intensity flash X-ray source for good contrast biological radiography, an X-ray radiogram of a fish, is presented. The fine structure of the specimen can be seen in different parts. The PF, because of its high X-ray yield and good reproducibility is particularly suited for this application.

Magnetic probe measurements of current sheet dynamics in a coaxial plasmaaccelerator

A high-frequency multiple magnetic probe assembly has been specificallyfabricated for the study of current sheet dynamics in the axial acceleration phaseof a low-energy dense plasma focus (DPF) device operated in a nitrogen gasmedium. The response time of each probe is of the order of 1 ns and the tinystructure of the probe is well suited to sense the magnetic field associated with apulsed plasma without perturbing the plasma unduly. The magnetic probes werecalibrated using a simple, novel and reliable calibration technique and thecalibration factor is found to be 0.34 ± 0.028 T V−1.Our study reveals that the parabolic current sheet accelerates asit propagates through the electrode assembly, reaching a rundownvelocity of ∼6.1 cm µs−1.The average current sheet thickness in the axial acceleration phase is found to be∼3 cm. In our case, the current shedding and mass loss factors are estimated to be32% and 40% respectively. Our approach of using a high-frequency multiplemagnetic probe assembly for the study of current sheet dynamics in a DPF deviceis highly effective in obtaining precise and accurate measurements.

Study of neutron emission in a low-energy plasma focus with β-source-assisted breakdown

The influence of pre-ionization around the insulator sleeve of plasma focus, by a mesh-type β-source 28Ni63 on neutron emission is investigated. The experiment is conducted on two low-energy (1.15 and 0.58 kJ) Mather-type plasma focus devices. The neutron emission is found to be increased by upto 25%. The results of this experiment suggest that pre-ionization may be helpful in designing a device as a sealed neutron source for different field applications.

Scope of plasma focus with argon as a soft X-ray source

The X-radiation emission from a low energy plasma focus with argon as a filling gas is investigated. Specifically, the attention is paid to determine the system efficiency for argon K-lines and Cu-K/sub /spl alpha// line emission at different filling pressures, and identify the radiation emission region. The highest argon line emission found at 1.5 mbar is about 30 mJ and the corresponding efficiency is 0.0015%. The same pressure is suitable for high Cu-K/sub /spl alpha// emission, which is about 70 mJ in 4/spl pi/ geometry and the system efficiency is 0.003%. The bulk of X-radiation is emitted from the region close to the anode tip, whereas some radiation emission takes place from the formed hot spots along the focus axis. These radiations are found suitable for backlighting in Al (1-1.56 keV) and Ti (2.9-4.96 keV) energy transmission bands.

Properties of hotspots in plasma focus discharges operating in hydrogen–argon mixtures

We have investigated the properties of hotspots formed in low energy plasma focus (PF) discharges operating in hydrogen–argon mixtures, at 140 kA current level. A combination of filtered pinhole and slit-wire camera is used to measure the hotspot size and temperature. The results show that the best conditions for reproducible and localized hotspot formation are obtained by adjusting the base pressure in such a way that the mass load allows the time of first radial collapse to coincide with peak current. When the PF is operated with 20% argon content, rather uniform hotspots, of 115 μm characteristic size and 300 eV characteristic temperature, are produced with a better than 80% reproducibility in their axial localization. The electron density in the hotspots is estimated to be ∼1020 cm−3. Calculations performed with a CRE code indicate that a significant fraction of the radiation is emitted in the 3.2 to 3.88 keV region, corresponding to Kα emission from highly ionized argon.

Characteristics of x-rays from a plasma focus operated with neon gas

The x-ray emission from a low-energy (2.3 kJ) plasma focus is investigated with neon as the filling gas. Two anode configurations are used in the experiment: the conventional cylindrical anode, and tapered anode slightly toward the open end. The latter geometry enhances soft x-ray emission by an order of magnitude. The emission is pressure dependent and, in both cases, the highest emission is observed at 3–3.5 mbar. For the cylindrical anode, the soft x-ray emission is up to 7 J per shot, which is from a pinched plasma column, 5–6 mm long. For the tapered anode, up to 80 J per shot soft x-ray yield in 4π geometry is recorded, which corresponds to 4% wall plug efficiency. The diameter of the x-ray emission filament is much larger compared with the cylindrical anode. The bulk of emitted radiation is of energy 1.2–1.3 keV, which is thought to arise from recombination of hydrogen-like (Ne x) ions with the low-energy electrons.

Study of molybdenum K-series line radiation emission from a low energy plasma focus

K-series line radiation emission of Mo and Cu from a low energy Mather-type plasma focus is investigated. Quantrad Si pin diodes are employed as time resolved X-ray detectors, where as a pin hole camera is used for time integrated analysis. The measurable X-ray flux for hydrogen is observed in the pressure range of 0.5–3.5 mbar. Mo and Cu K-line radiation emission in this geometry has the highest values of about 0.05 J/sr and 0.17 J/sr, respectively at a filling pressure of 2.0 mbar. The corresponding efficiencies are 0.03% and 0.09%, respectively. Total X-ray emission and efficiency in 4 π-geometry are also obtained with values 4.12 J and 0.18% at 2.0 mbar. The Mo K-line radiation emission may result due to interaction of energetic electron beam emitted from the focus region with the molybdenum insert.

SOFT X-RAY EMISSION IN THE (1.0–1.5 KEV) WINDOW WITH NITROGEN FILLING IN A LOW ENERGY PLASMA FOCUS

A study of soft X-ray emission in the 1.0–1.5 keV energy range from a low energy (1.15 kJ) plasma focus has been conducted. X-rays are detected with the combination of Quantrad Si PIN-diodes masked with Al (50 μm), Mg (100 μm) and Ni (17.5 μm) filters and with a pinhole camera. The X-ray flux is found to be measurable within the pressure range of 0.1–1.0 mbar nitrogen. In the 1.0–1.3 keV and 1.0–1.5 keV windows, the X-ray yield in 4π-geometry is 1.03 J and 14.0-J, respectively, at a filling pressure of 0.25 mbar and the corresponding efficiencies are 0.04% and 1.22%. The total X-ray emission in 4π-geometry is 21.8 J, which corresponds to the system efficiency of about 1.9%. The X-ray emission is found dominantly as a result of the interaction of energetic electrons in the current sheath with the anode tip. Images recorded by the pinhole camera confirm the emission of X-rays from the tip of the anode.

Dense plasmas research in the Chilean Nuclear Energy Commission: past, present and future

A review of the dense transient plasmas researches, developed in the Chilean Nuclear Energy Commission, is presented. A brief summary of the researches done in collaboration with the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, between 1993 to 1997, is shown. In addition, the program Plasma Physics in Small Devices, developed at the Comision Chilena de Energia Nuclear since 1999 is delineated. The diagnostics development and results obtained during three experiments using small pinch devices are shown: a capillary discharge; a Z pinch driven by a small generator; and a low energy plasma focus. The experiments were complemented by magnetohydrodynamics numerical calculations, in order to assist the design and physical interpretation of the experimental data. The diagnostics techniques used in these experiments include current and voltage monitors, multipinhole camera, plasma image using a ICCD camera gated from 3 to 20 ns, holographic interferometry, and vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy. Recently, the pulse power generator SPEED 2, a medium energy and large current device (187kJ, 4MA, 300kV, 400ns, dI/dt ~ 10 13 A/s), has been transferred from the Dusseldorf University to the Comision Chilena de Energia Nuclear. Future experiments, and the perspectives of using this device, are also discussed.

Transient electrical discharges in small devices

Fundamental and applied research on plasmas with high energy density that are unstable and radiate can be done at a relatively low cost with small plasma pinches. In this paper we discuss three experiments using small pinch devices: a capillary discharge, a Z-pinch driven by a small generator, and a low energy plasma focus. The experiments were complemented by magnetohydrodynamics numerical calculations in order to assist the design and physical interpretation of the experimental data. The diagnostics used in the experiments include current and voltage monitors, multipinhole camera, holographic interferometry, and vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy.

Enhanced copper K-alpha radiation from a low-energy plasma focus

A low-energy (2.3 kJ) plasma focus is operated in an enhanced Cu Kα line emission mode. The emission is dominated by the interaction of electrons in the current sheath with the anode tip. The Cu Kα line radiation of 0.4 J/sr is recorded in the side-on direction, which steadily increases in the end-on direction and attains the value of 0.8 J/sr. It is estimated about 40 J of energy is radiated as x rays, out of which 8 J is in the form of Cu Kα lines in 4π geometry. The radiation yield represents a system efficiency of 1.7% for overall x-ray emission, and 0.35% for the Cu Kα line.

Correlation of plasma electron temperature with neutron emission in a low-energy plasma focus

Correlation of neutron emission with plasma electron temperature in a low-energy (2.3 kJ) plasma focus is investigated. To determine the plasma temperature by continuum X-ray analysis, cobalt is selected as the filter, which discriminates the line radiation from the background impurities like carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, or the copper of which plasma focus electrodes are made. For a pressure range of high neutron emission (1-4 mbar), the neutron yield is found to correlate with the plasma temperature. The highest temperature recorded is 5 keV at 2.5 mbar, the filling pressure for the highest neutron emission in this device.

Soft X-Ray Emission Optimization Study with Nitrogen Gas in a 1.2 kJ Plasma Focus

Measurement of soft x-ray emission from a low-energy plasma focus operated with nitrogen within the pressure range of 0.1–1.0 mbar is presented. The x-rays are detected by using an assembly of Quantrad Si PIN-diodes with differential filtering and with a multipinhole camera. In the 1.0–1.3 keV and 1.0–1.5 keV windows, the x-ray yield in 4π geometry is 1.03 J and 14.0 J, respectively, at a filling pressure of 0.25 mbar and the corresponding efficiencies are 0.04% and 1.22%. The total x-ray emission in 4π geometry is estimated at 21.8 J, which corresponds to the system efficiency of about 1.9%. The soft x-ray emission is found dominantly as a result of electron beam activity on the anode tip, which is confirmed by the images recorded by a pinhole camera.

A Simple Technique to Record X-Ray Fluence Anisotropy of a Source

A simple technique to record the fluence anisotropy of x-rays emitted from a source is presented. The simplicity of the technique and response curves of the photographic film, along with corresponding filters, enables one to readily use the same for diagnostic purposes in different sources such as plasma focus, vacuum spark, z-pinch, and laser-produced plasmas. As an application example, the technique is employed to measure fluence anisotropy of x-ray emission in a low-energy plasma focus operated with hydrogen. With increase in filling pressure, the anisotropy is found to increase, although the total x-ray emission is lowered. It is therefore concluded that at a lower filling pressure of 0.75 mbar, the x-ray emission is dominantly due to interaction of energetic electrons in the current sheath, whereas at a higher filling pressure of 2.5 mbar, the contribution of energetic electron beam is much higher.

A COST EFFECTIVE X-RAY DETECTOR FOR PLASMA FOCUS DIAGNOSTICS

A time-resolved rugged X-ray detector (XRD) which may be used in intense radiation environment is developed. The detector is used to study the X-ray emission from a low-energy (2.3 kJ) Mather-type plasma focus energized by a 32 μF single capacitor, using hydrogen and argon (3:2) mixture as gas filling. In the detector, the electron emitter is made of nickel and aluminum. The sensitivity of the detector with nickel cathode is found to be very low. No signal could be recorded by masking the detector with even the 2 μm thick Al foil. When Al cathode is used in the XRD, the sensitivity of the detector increases abruptly. To stop the optical/ultraviolet radiation from approaching the active area, it is masked with 6 μm Al filter. It is found that an XRD with nickel cathode is not useful for X-ray detection in a low-energy plasma focus. However, due to its excellent response to vacuum ultraviolet radiation (≤600 Å), it may find application in the study of the axial rundown of current sheath, and its velocity. The X-ray emission from focus plasma is the highest at 0.5 mbar. With increase in pressure, the emission is dropped. At filling pressures of 2.0–2.5 mbar, the X-ray emission increases again. High X-ray emission at 0.5 mbar is due to interaction of energetic electrons in the current sheath with the anode surface, whereas moderately high emission at 2.0–2.5 mbar is caused by an axially moving shockwave.

Low-Energy Plasma Focus as a Tailored X-Ray Source

A low-energy (2.3 kJ) plasma focus energized by a single 32-μF capacitor charged at 12 kV with filling gases hydrogen, neon, and argon is investigated as an X-ray source. Experiments are conducted with a copper and an aluminum anode. Specifically, attention is given to tailoring the radiation in different windows, e.g., 1.2–1.3 keV, 1.3–1.5 keV, 2.5–5 keV, and Cu-Kα line radiation. The highest X-ray emission is observed with neon filling and the copper anode in the 1.2–1.3 keV window, which we speculate to be generated due to recombination of hydrogenlike neon ions with a few eV to a few 10s of eV electrons. The wall-plug efficiency of the device is found to be 4%. The other significant emission occurs with hydrogen filling, which exhibits wall-plug efficiency of 1.7% for overall X-ray emission and 0.35% for Cu-Kα line radiation. The emission is dominated by the interaction of electrons in the current sheath with the anode tip. The emission with the aluminum anode and hydrogen filling is up to 10 J, which corresponds to wall-plug efficiency of 0.4%. The X-ray emission with argon filling is less significant.

Comparative study of ion, x-ray and neutron emission in a low energy plasma focus

In a low energy (2.3 kJ) Mather-type deuterium plasma focus, neutron and x-ray emission is investigated by time integrated and time resolved detectors. CR-39 nuclear track ion detectors are employed for measuring charged particle angular distribution. Correlation of charged particles with neutron and x-ray emission is also investigated. The neutron emission profile is found to be composed of two pulses, the intensity and anisotropy of which vary with the filling pressure. The charged particle flux is maximum with high fluence anisotropy for the pressure range 2.5-3.0 mbar which is also the optimum pressure for high neutron emission with low fluence anisotropy . The high neutron emission with low fluence anisotropy is attributed to the presence of trapped deuterons in an anomalous magnetic field. The relevant pressure range generates favourable conditions for plasma density and pinch filament diameter. X-ray emission is generally high at low pressure. For the pressure range of 2.5-4.0 mbar, the axial neutron detector registers a hard x-ray pulse, which may escape through a half inch thick Cu flange. These results suggest that at low pressures, the collapsing current sheath interacts with the anode end and causes intense low energy x-ray emission, but the neutron emission remains low. X-rays are dominantly Cu . In the narrow pressure regime 2.5-3.0 mbar, the current sheath forms a pinch filament leading to high neutron yield with low fluence anisotropy.

Enhancement of Neutron Emission From a Plasma Focus NuclearFusion Device by the Use of Anode with Low Spark Erosion

A low energy plasma focus nuclear fusion device with centralelectrode and insulator of different materials was investigated.Maximum neutron yield was observed with electrodes having low sparkerosion. The enhancement of neutron yield is expected to be morepronounced at higher energy. This may extend the maximum neutron yieldobtainable from a plasma focus.