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Experimental study of the plasma focus device as a charged particle accelerator

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5272253

The emphasis of this work is to investigate the electron and ion emission from the plasma focus and the development of appropriate diagnostics to accomplish this task. The viewpoint of the focus as a bipolar diode may provide a natural description of the observed phenomena. A Mather geometry plasma focus device was constructed. Diagnostics used for electron measurements include current monitors, a calorimeter, a magnetic energy analyzer, and an emittance meter. Ion beam measurements were performed using a fluxmeter, a pinhole camera, an on beam emittance meter and a Thomson parabola analyzer. In addition, opening switch behavior was investigated. Intense electron beams are observed with pulse lengths approximately 5 nsec at energies of 20 to 200 keV and currents of 1 kA and above. The root-mean-square (rms) emittance of the electron beam is found to be approximately 1 cm-rad. Ion measurements show copious ion emission of very energetic ions of up to several MeV. A measurement of rms emittance of the ion beam was made. Results support the bipolar diode model of the plasma focus device.

Research Organization:
Maryland Univ., College Park (USA)
OSTI ID:
5272253
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English