X-ray emission above 10 keV from focused discharges (calorimetry and time-resolved monitoring)

Summary form only given, as follows. Two issues are addressed: [1] The location of the source of hard X-rays (/spl ges/10 keV) in MA focused discharges. [2] The debated correlation of the deuterium-plasma reaction yield with the absolute intensity in different spectral region of the X-ray emission. Correlation, or the lack of it, can be observed when (a) different spectral regions, and/or (b) different source locations in the discharge vessel, are monitored. The hard component emission up to /spl sime/100 keV is recorded by using differential filters. Energy per pulse (kJ) and emitted power (TW) are monitored with filter-fitted calorimeters and with fast scintillation detectors (NE-102). Emission scaling tests utilized two plasma focus machines with Mather´s type electrodes hollow anode (APE-10, W/spl sime/7 kJ, an APF-50, W/spl ges/20 kJ). Different emission levels from a series of discharges with D/sub 2/ filling and with D/sub 2/+Ar fillings (Ar partial pressure from 2% to 16%) contribute to discriminating plasma pinch emission from anode emission. X-ray collimators designed for the same purpose establish the cogency of data analysis and of conclusions.