X-Ray Production in Defense Plasma Focus.
Abstract
This program investigated the operation of plasma focus (PF) devices at high voltage. Discharge formation, energy transfer, and X-ray emission were studied at 60 kV (108 kJ) with a 10X15-cm diameter PF gun. A model was developed that relates the optimum pressure for discharge formation to the electric field condition for maximum ionization efficiency. The energy transfer efficiency was measured and found to be in reasonable agreement with the theory of Bruzzone et al. A PF model is described that interprets the observed X-ray emission from argon in terms of both plasma processes and focus-produced electron beam phenomena: The model predicted that a neon plasma would radiate 1 percent of the stored energy. The construction of a 120-kV (108 kJ) plasma focus system is described. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA084438
Entities
People
- Duane C. Gates
Organizations
- SRI International