Dense Plasma Focus as a Neutron Source for Fusion Research

The properties of dense plasma focus, a point source of fusion neutrons with high flux density, are described and its applications to problems in fusion technology are discussed, including assessment of the performance of electronics and diagnostics in the stream of neutrons behind a breeding blanket, measurement of the concentration of neutron-induced isomeres in the first wall and blanket, and determining radiation-induced damage under pulsed and steady neutron loads. The plasma focus phenomenon is described and the technical details of a device for high repetition rates are given, including the characteristics of the electrical circuits. Scaling the yield for 10- and 13-MeV neutrons in tritium-free discharges is also addressed.