Pressure change dynamics of plasma focus chambers as a part of the pulse neutron generators

The dynamics of working gas pressure changes in the plasma focus (PF) chambers were studied by using the chamber with a built-in manometer as part of the ING-102 neutron generator (2.5 MeV neutron yield 106÷107 neutrons/pulse). Investigations were carried out during high-voltage training and neutron emission operation mode. The studies were executed while filling the chamber with various gas mixtures. For operation with a deuterium-tritium mixture, a sealed-off chamber with a built-in gas generator was used. After the primary filling of the PF chambers with a gas mixture, there is a systematic decrease in pressure by Δp = (5 ÷ 50) ·10−3 Torr (∼0,7 ÷ 7 Pa) after each shot of the chamber. The change in the shape of breakdown curves Ubr(p) in the interelectrode gap of the chamber after each series of shots was studied. That made it possible to assess the optimal number of shots during high-voltage training of the PF chamber. [Display omitted] •Sealed-off plasma focus chambers with deuterium-tritium filling.•The pressure drop effect of plasma focus chambers.•Voltage breakdown curves of inter-electrode space for plasma focus chambers.•High-voltage training series for plasma focus chambers as a neutron source.