Damage and modification of materials produced by pulsed ion and plasma streams in Dense Plasma Focus device

Abstract

The Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) devices PF-1000, PF-6 and PF-5M working with different gases and in dissimilar
\nirradiation modes were used to carry out experimental investigations of irradiation of a number of materials by
\npowerful pulsed ion and high-temperature plasma streams. The materials under test were designed for application in
\nstructural and functional components of thermonuclear fusion devices with magnetic (MPC) and inertial (IPC) plasma
\nconfinement, as well as for working chambers of plasma and accelerator devices. The main features of the materials are
\nlow-activation and radiation-resistant properties. On the basis of the investigations a significant progress was achieved
\nin understanding of dynamics of high-energy nano- and micro-second pulsed streams in DPF from one side as well as
\non the mechanisms of their influence upon materials under irradiation from the other one. We demonstrated that this
\napproach can be useful for certain tests of plasma-facing materials (e.g. W for MPC and stainless steels for IPC) and of
\nstructural (construction) elements of the above-mentioned devices subjected to pulsed high-energy radiation streams.
\nThe results obtained suggest also that DPF devices can be used in new pulse technologies for material treatment by
\nmeans of powerful nanosecond and microsecond pulses of plasma and ion streams