THE INFLUENCE OF AN AXIAL MAGNETIC FIELD ON NEUTRON PRODUCTION IN A PLASMA FOCUS DISCHARGE,
Abstract
An axial magnetic field of up to 1200 Gauss was applied to a plasma focus discharge, and the effects on neutron production were investigated. Trapped fluxes of 34000 and 57000 Maxwells reduced the neutron yields by factors of 5 and 10, respectively. The applied field reduced the average energy shift of the axially emitted neutrons, decreased the ratio of the axial neutron flux to radial flux, and extended the length of the neutron source. An increase in the field from 720 to 1200 Gauss did not further reduce the flux anistropy. Streak photography revealed that the minimum plasma radius became larger with increased distance from the anode and that the visible plasma boundary become indistinct at the time of most intense neutron emission. The trapped flux delayed the onset of this intense emission. These results are consistent with an acceleration mode of neutron emission. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 15, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0710606
Entities
People
- Francis Hai
- Melvin J. Bernstein
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation