Neutron emission from a fast plasma focus of 400 Joules

The neutron emission from a small and fast plasma focus operating in deuterium is presented. The system operates at low energy in the hundred of joules range (880 nF capacitor bank, 38 nH, 20-35 kV, 176-539 J, similar to300 ns current rise time). The neutrons were measured by means of a silver activation counter, and the total neutron yield versus deuterium gas filling pressure was obtained. For discharges operating at 30 kV charging voltage, the maximum neutron yield was (1.06+/-0.13)x10(6) neutrons per shot at 9 mbar. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.