Some x-ray and neutron measurements on the dense plasma focus

Abstract

Measurements of the X-ray and neutron emissions from a dense plasma focus device are given which include time integrated X-ray photographs of the focus, time dependent X-ray and neutron output characteristics and average neutron energy measurements determined by time of flight. The time of emission of X-rays and neutrons has been correlated with the time differential of the plasma current and the results of Bernstein et al. (1969) confirmed. When the focus was operated with a negative centre electrode, the X-ray and neutron emission was = 0.25% of that obtained under identical conditions with a positive centre electrode.