Effects of anode shape on plasma focus operation with argon

Abstract

X-ray and ion beam emission from a low-energy Mather-type plasma focus energized by a single , 12 kV (2.3 kJ) capacitor is investigated employing three different anode shapes and using argon as filling gas. The radiation yield and the filling gas pressure for good focus are found to be strongly dependent on the anode shape. An appropriate tapering of the anode end enhances the emission threefold for both x-rays and ions. The intensities of the signals are also found to be correlated mutually as well as with the high-voltage probe signal intensity. Furthermore, time-integrated pinhole images reveal that the x-rays originate predominantly from the anode end surface. In other words, an appropriate shaping of the anode end switches the device to a high-emission mode for both x-rays and a charged particle beam.