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Title: Dynamics of the structure of the plasma current sheath in a plasma focus discharge

Journal Article · · Plasma Physics Reports
 [1];  [2]; ; ;  [1];  [2];  [1]
  1. National Research Centre Kurchatov Institute (Russian Federation)
  2. Troitsk Institute for Innovation and Fusion Research (Russian Federation)

The study is aimed at investigating the fine structure of the plasma current sheath (PCS) in the PF-3 plasma focus facility. The PCS dynamics in a deuterium discharge was studied. The PCS parameters were measured using absolutely calibrated magnetic probes installed at different positions with respect to the facility axis and the anode surface. A magneto-optical probe recording both the magnetic signal and the PCS optical luminosity was first applied to analyze the PCS structure. This made it possible to spatially resolve the current and shock-wave regions. It is demonstrated that the current distribution is different in different discharge stages. It is shown that the neutron yield is determined by the value of the current compressed toward the axis, rather then the amplitude of the total discharge current.

OSTI ID:
22047507
Journal Information:
Plasma Physics Reports, Vol. 37, Issue 9; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2011 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1063-780X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English