On Probable Fusion Mechanisms in a Mather-Type Plasma Focus.

An experimental study on plasma focus fusion mechanisms is presented in this paper. Simple diagnostic techniques such as current derivative, voltage, and time-integrated neutron detectors are used. This paper allows us to obtain information and fusion mechanisms present in a medium energy plasma focus [Auto Confined Plasma (PACO), 2 kJ, 31 kV, and T=2.9~\mus]. The current sheet (CS) inductance is calculated through the anode voltage and current derivative signals, for some 80 shots performed within the pressure range 0.8–2.1 mbar of deuterium. It is concluded that the CS inductance is consistent with the behavior of a unique plasma sheet moving between two coaxial electrodes. From the information collected, it is concluded that the main fusion mechanism in this device is the beam-target one. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]