Neutron emission mechanisms in a plasma focus: insights from current sheet dynamics

Abstract

This study presents experimental results from the PACO plasma focus device. The device, powered by a 4 µF capacitor bank charged to 31 kV (2 kJ), generates currents up to 250 kA in a deuterium-filled chamber (1.0–2.3 mbar) achieving a typical neutron yield of 3 × 10^9 per shot. Diagnostics included a Rogowski coil for current derivative measurements, a fast resistive voltage divider for anode voltage, and a NE102A scintillator-photomultiplier system to detect neutron and hard x-ray emissions. Key findings focus on the plasma current sheet dynamics, characterized through inductance derivatives and pinch voltage. Analysis revealed the moment where the current sheet travel change from axial to radial, when the beam–target mechanism is possible and when the fusion begins enabling a defined moment where start the fusion pinch zone.