Effect of anode shape on neutron and x-ray emission in dense plasma focus

Abstract

The neutron and x-ray production is investigated in various pulse-power devices for a deeper understanding of the ion and electron acceleration mechanisms and the application of pulsed neutron sources. We present the extensive results from an anode shape experiment carried out on the PFZ-200 plasma focus device. The various shapes of anodes were tested, including cylinders, tapers, or rounded tips. The experimental shots with a peak current above 200 kA were performed in pure deuterium working gas at 280–600 Pa pressure to obtain maximal neutron yield for each anode shape. The average neutron yields are in the range of (1–2) ×108 neutrons/shot. Outstanding findings about x-ray emission were obtained with the group of tapered anode tips. Using the scintillation detectors shielded by 5 cm thick lead bricks, we obtained the hard x-ray signals with photons exceeding 600 keV energy. Such relatively high x-ray energy indicates the optimized conditions for electron and ion acceleration. At the same time, the individual shots have been well reproducible. Therefore, we were able to study plasma dynamics with the schlieren images taken at different times at different shots.