Comparative analysis of large plasma focus experiments performed at IPF, Stuttgart, and IPJ, Świerk

Abstract

The paper presents a comparison of the main characteristics and experimental results obtained in plasma focus (PF) experiments in the POSEIDON 500 kJ facility in Stuttgart and the PF-360 kJ device in Świerk. Parameters of various electrodes and insulators are given, and studies on the evolution of the discharges are summarized. Selected data on X-ray, ion and neutron emission are given. Also presented are recent experimental results — a maximum neutron yield of up to 2.5 × 1011 for 500 kJ/80 kV runs with a new ceramic insulator in POSEIDON and an average neutron yield of 1.2 × 1011 for operation at 171 kJ/36 kV in PF-360. Particular attention is paid to the neutron scaling and the saturation effects observed at higher energy and current levels. Proposals are made for new experimental studies which can facilitate further progress in PF research.