Characterization of the Neutron Production in the Modified MA Plasma Focus

The PF-1000 plasma-focus (PF) facility equipped with Mather-type coaxial electrodes was modified by the addition of a cathode disk in front of the anode front plate, at a distance of 3 cm and by covering the hole in the anode center. In comparison with the earlier electrode setup, important differences as regards neutron, X-ray, and interferometric diagnostics were observed for this special electrode configuration. The total current during the pinch phase increased on average by about 25%, the total neutron yield decreased to about 20-30%, and the velocity of transformation of the structures in the column (together with constriction) was evidently depressed. The average energy of the electrons and deuterons produced was decreased. The lower energy value of fast deuterons and their lower cross section of fusion DD reactions were probably the reason for the observed decrease in the total neutron yields.