Plasma Focus Machines
Overview
Design, fabrication, and characterization of low-energy plasma focus machines for deuterium fusion and neutron emission studies. These compact devices generate dense plasma pinches capable of producing measurable neutron yields.
Research encompasses electrical discharge parameters, plasma dynamics, neutron detection, and scaling laws for fusion yield optimization.
Deuterium Fusion Yield from a Low-Energy Plasma Focus Device
Abstract
Neutron yield measurements from a low-energy plasma focus machine operating in deuterium atmosphere are reported. The device produces measurable neutron emissions through thermonuclear and beam-target fusion mechanisms during the pinch phase.
Key Results
Neutron yields up to $10^8$ neutrons/pulse were recorded using CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detectors and a fission chamber. The yield scaling with stored energy follows a power law consistent with theoretical predictions for plasma focus devices.
Neutron Detection and Characterization from Compact Plasma Focus
Abstract
A comprehensive neutron detection system has been developed and deployed for characterizing neutron emission from a compact plasma focus machine. The system employs multiple detection techniques to provide time-resolved and energy-resolved neutron measurements.
Key Results
Time-of-flight measurements reveal a thermonuclear neutron component with an effective ion temperature of approximately 2 keV. Angular distribution measurements indicate anisotropic neutron emission consistent with beam-target fusion contributions.
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