Title :
On Probable Fusion Mechanisms in a Mather-Type Plasma Focus
Author :
Bruzzone, Horacio ; Barbaglia, Mario Oscar ; Nestor Acuna, Hugo ; Milanese, MariÌa Magdalena ; Moroso, Robert L. ; Guichon, S.
Author_Institution :
Phys. Res. Inst. of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata Nat. Univ., Tandil, Argentina
Abstract :
An experimental study on plasma focus fusion mechanisms is presented in this paper. Simple diagnostic techniques such as current derivative, voltage, and time-integrated neutron detectors are used. This paper allows us to obtain information and fusion mechanisms present in a medium energy plasma focus [Auto Confined Plasma (PACO), 2 kJ, 31 kV, and T=2.9 μs]. The current sheet (CS) inductance is calculated through the anode voltage and current derivative signals, for some 80 shots performed within the pressure range 0.8-2.1 mbar of deuterium. It is concluded that the CS inductance is consistent with the behavior of a unique plasma sheet moving between two coaxial electrodes. From the information collected, it is concluded that the main fusion mechanism in this device is the beam-target one.
Keywords :
deuterium; fusion reactor fuel; fusion reactor instrumentation; fusion reactor targets; plasma diagnostics; plasma focus; Auto Confined Plasma; CS inductance; D; Mather-type plasma focus; PACO; anode voltage signal; beam-target; coaxial electrode; current derivative signal; current sheet inductance; energy 2 kJ; main fusion mechanism; medium energy plasma focus; plasma focus fusion mechanisms; pressure 0.8 mbar to 2.1 mbar; simple diagnostic techniques; time 2.9 mus; time-integrated neutron detector; unique plasma sheet; voltage 31 kV; Correlation; Discharges (electric); Educational institutions; Inductance; Neutrons; Physics; Plasmas; Beam target; Mather; plasma focus (PF); thermonuclear;
Journal_Title :
Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TPS.2013.2281324
