Using high energy, pulsed X-rays, generated by a 4.7 kJ Plasma Focus operated with deuterium -argon admixtures, images of fast rotating metallic pieces were obtained. This illustrates the potential application of Plasma Focus devices for non invasive scanning of moving metallic objects. The samples for radiographic imaging were located outside the plasma focus chamber. High-sensitivity, fast-response commercial radiographic film was used as X-ray detector. The use of small doses of argon helps to enhance both the neutron production and the hard X-ray emission. By analyzing the mean attenuation of the studied radiation in different metals, an X-ray effective energy of about 100 keV was obtained.

Effective hard x-ray spectrum of a tabletop Mather-type plasma focus optimized for flash radiography of metallic objects J. Appl. Phys. 102, 123303 (2007) Hard x-ray source for flash radiography based on a 2.5 kJ plasma focus A compact tabletop plasma focus suitable for hard x-ray imaging applications is presented. The hard x-ray emission was characterized by means of an effective energy analysis, based on images obtained with a single shot. The effective energy of the radiation was estimated to be around 83 keV from radiographic images of metallic pieces. Numerical calculations, based on validated codes, are presented to give a quantitative interpretation of the experimental results. Experimental demonstration of the suitability of this device for introspective imaging of metallic pieces is also given.

A plasma focus device capable of operating at 0.2 pulses per second during several minutes is used as a source of hard x-rays and fast neutrons. An experimental demonstration of the use of the neutrons emissions for radiation probing of hydrogenated substances is presented, showing a particular application in detecting water concentrations differences in the proximity of the device by elastic scattering. Moreover, the device produces ultrashort hard x-rays pulses useful for introspective images of small objects, static or in fast motion, suitable for the identification of internal submillimetric defects. Clear images of metallic objects shielded by several millimeters iron walls are shown.

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