This paper (paper I) presents the first part of results obtained with the PF-1000 facility for the first time at its upper energy limit (≈1 MJ). Special attention is paid here to plasma (‘pinch’) dynamics, which was investigated in relation to its electro-technical and radiation (especially neutron) characteristics with the help of a number of diagnostics, both time-integrated and with nanosecond temporal resolution. In these methods we utilized a Rogowski coil for the routine electro-technical measurements, visual multi-frame and streak cameras, soft x-ray pin-hole multi-frame cameras, PIN-diode assembly and PM tubes with scintillators for soft and hard x-rays as well as for neutron investigations together with a set of activation counters. In particular, the temporal cross correlation of different phenomena taking place during the discharge was investigated. The pinch's longevity appears to be 10–15 times larger than the ideal magnetohydrodynamic growth time (ratio of the pinch radius to the ion thermal velocity). It is demonstrated how the ‘target’ dynamics (pinch plasma of the dense plasma focus (DPF)) depends on and may be controlled by the electrode's size and the geometry of the chamber in this large-scale device. Diffraction of a shock wave together with a current sheath on an obstacle made at the DPF anode cap opens an opportunity for an inertial electrode to be used in future at larger DPF devices.

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The PF-1000 plasma focus was modified by adding the cathode disk 3 cm in front of the anode. This modification facilitated the evaluation of neutron energy spectra. Two neutron pulses were distinguishable. As regards the first neutron pulse, it lasted 40 ns during the plasma stagnation and it demonstrated high isotropy of neutron emission. A peak neutron energy detected upstream was 2.46±0.02 MeV. The full width of neutron energy spectra of 90±20 keV enabled to calculate an ion temperature of 1.2 keV. These parameters and a neutron yield of 109 corresponded to theoretical predictions for thermonuclear neutrons.

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Plasma focus experiments were carried out at a modified PF-1000 where the cathode disc was added in front of the anode. Experimental results indicated a fraction of thermonuclear neutrons on the mega-ampere current level. In order to prove the thermonuclear mechanism, the time of neutron production and the neutron energy spectrum were measured by time-of-flight (TOF) diagnostics. Neutron TOF signals showed that the neutron production was a multiphase process and more than one mechanism occurred simultaneously. The occurrence of the thermonuclear mechanism was most evident during the plasma stagnation at low deuterium pressures. At low filling pressures, the narrow width of the neutron energy spectra demonstrated an ion temperature of about 1 keV. The possibility of thermonuclear neutrons was studied also after the stagnation, during the main neutron emission. In this case, the thermonuclear mechanism could be verified by calculating the number of deuterons that participate in the fusion process. For the bulk of thermonuclear plasmas, a significant fraction of plasma should participate in fusion. Finally, the basic consideration of the thermonuclear mechanism in Z-pinches showed the reasonableness of the MagLIF concept.