Repetitive Nanofocus: Evidence of neutron and x-ray emission from an ultra miniature pinch plasma focus discharge operating at tens of Hz

摘要

Evidence of x-ray and neutron emission from an ultraminiature pinch plasma focus is presented. The stored energy in the device is less than 1J per shot and can be operated at tens of Hz of repetition rate. The main features of this device, repetitive Nanofocus, are 5nF of capacity, 5nH of inductance, 5–10 kV charging voltage, 60–250 mJ stored energy, 5–10 kA current peak, per shot. The device has been operated at 20 Hz in hydrogen and deuterium. X-ray radiographs of materials of different thickness were obtained. Neutrons were detected using a system based upon 3He proportional counter in current mode.