Abstract Fusion for Fission fuel breeding and other incentives for unconventional magnetic fusion research are introductorily mentioned. The design, operation and peculiar characteristics of dense plasma foci are briefly described with attention to their remarkable ion acceleration and plasma heating capabilities. Attempts for interpretations are reviewed, and a brief account is given for an explanation based on the concept of magnetically induced plasma rotation, recently derived in detail in this journal. Basically an ion acceleration mechanism of betraton character it describes in combination with a dynamic, generalized Bennett relation focus plasma characteristics like the polarity dependence, the current channel disruption, the axial ion beam formation and the prerequisites for the ensuing turbulent plasma dissipative stage. Fundamental differences with respect to mainline fusion research are emphasized, and some conjectures and proposals are presented as to the further development of plasma focus nuclear fusion or fission energy production.
Nano Focus: Plasma conditions measured in bubbles imploded by extreme sonoluminescence