Neutronics of a dense-plasma focus: an investigation of a fusion plasma

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7211560

Cloth, P; Conrads, H

Experimental work on the dense-plasma focus device Julich I is presented. The main objective of this program was the development of a neutron source for controlled thermonuclear reactor applications on blanket and material problems. Therefore, detailed studies of the neutron production mechanism and of the fusion plasma properties of the plasma focus experiment were necessary. The investigations have been performed using reaction neutrons as special tools of plasma diagnostics. The results of neutron spectrum measurements indicate the presence of high-energy deuterons of at least 300 keV moving predominantly parallel to the axis of the gun. Neutrons produced by fusion reactions of deuterium and /sup 7/Li have been observed, again showing the presence of ions with energies above 300 keV up to at least 1 MeV. By shadow bar techniques, it has been found that the origin of the neutrons is restricted to a cone that extends from the anode to the lid of the discharge vessel. This suggests an acceleration of deuterons near the anode within the plasma volume. The deuterons are extruded from the pinch, moving freely through the neutral gas. The fusion reactions have been detected all along the flight path of the deuterons up to a distance of 126 cm from the anode. Time-resolved measurements of the neutron production show dependence of the emission time on the axial dimensions of the vessel.

• Research Organization: Kernforschungsanlage, Juelich, Ger.
• OSTI ID: 7211560
• Journal Information: Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 62:4; ISSN NSENA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700209* -- Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Component Development & Materials Testing
EMISSION
MATERIALS TESTING
NEUTRON EMISSION
NEUTRON SOURCES
NEUTRON SPECTRA
OPEN PLASMA DEVICES
PARTICLE SOURCES
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
PLASMA FOCUS DEVICES
RADIATION SOURCES
SPECTRA
TESTING
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES