Applications of a neutron-producing dense plasma focus

Floyd. D. McDaniel; B. L. Freeman; C. M. Fowler

doi:10.1117/12.267965

27 February 1997 Applications of a neutron-producing dense plasma focus

Floyd. D. McDaniel, B. L. Freeman, C. M. Fowler

Proceedings Volume 2867, International Conference Neutrons in Research and Industry; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.267965
Event: Fifth International Conference on Applications of Nuclear Techniques: Neutrons in Research and Industry, 1996, Crete, Greece

Abstract

A plasma focus is an rz-plasma pinch device that may preferentially produce either x-rays or neutrons. In its neutron-production mode, the neutron pulse duration is approximately 10¹² neutrons/pulse from the d(d,n)³He(dd) reaction. The equivalent neutron yield form the d(t,n)⁴He(dt) reaction is approximately 10¹⁴ neutrons/pulse. The smallest plasma focus devices have produced approximately 10⁷ neutrons/pulse from the (dd) reaction. Across this range of neutron yields, there are several applications for which the plasma focus seems to be well suited. With a total yield of approximately 10¹² neutrons/pulse from the (dd) reaction, static neutron radiography for inert objects has been demonstrated. For biological systems, (dt) reaction yields of about 10¹² to 10¹³ neutrons/pulse will produce acceptable neutron radiographs. Given the short duration of the neutron pulse and localized nature, (dt) neutron yields in the range of 10¹³ to 10¹⁴ neutrons/pulse provide a useful source for basic neutron physics studies. Finally, modest scaling of the plasma focus neutron yield to the range of 10¹⁵ to 10¹⁶ neutrons/pulse from the (dt) reaction may provide a method of producing some neutron-produced, medical radioisotopes.

Citation Download Citation

Floyd. D. McDaniel, B. L. Freeman, and C. M. Fowler "Applications of a neutron-producing dense plasma focus", Proc. SPIE 2867, International Conference Neutrons in Research and Industry, (27 February 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.267965

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