Ion Beam Emission within a Low Energy Focus Plasma (0.1 kJ) Operating with Hydrogen

An investigation of energetic ion beam emission from a low energy plasma focus (0.1 kJ Mather type) device operating with hydrogen gas is studied. The ion beam emission is investigated using time-integrated and time-resolved detectors. The present plasma focus device is powered by a capacitor bank of 1 μF at 18 kV maximum charging voltage. The correlation of ion beam intensity with filling gas pressure indicates that the beam emission is maximized at the optimum pressure for the focus formation at peak current. Energy of ions is determined with a time-of-flight (TOF) method, taking into account distance from the center electrode to the detection plane.

Characterization of self-generated intense electron beams in a plasma focus

The parameters of self-generated electron beams have been measured and correlated to the dynamics of a 60 kV, 28 kJ plasma focus. The electron beam emission occurs in two periods: the first corresponds to the initial formation and disruption of the pinched plasma and terminates with the disruption of the plasma column, and the second period occurs after the breaking up of the focus plasma. The first period is characterized by high-energy electron beams, whereas in the second period the electron beams have lower average energies but higher currents. A relativistic electron beam is found to occur around the time of first compression, when the plasma is observed to be macroscopically stable, in contrast to measurements obtained from machines with similar energies but operating at lower voltages. The plasma X-ray emission is observed to be closely related to the electron beam characteristics. Possible mechanisms for the formation of the electron beams observed are discussed.

Magnetically Induced Plasma Rotation and the Dense Plasma Focus

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.