Low-Energy Plasma Focus Proves Medical Grade Radioactivity Production

Roshan, M.V.; Sadeghi, H.; Fazelpoor, S.; Lee, S.

doi:10.1109/tps.2018.2854920

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 19 publications

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“…The dense plasma focus (DPF) [1,2,3] is well-known for being a prolific source of neutrons [4], fast ions [5], electrons [6] and soft x-rays [6] as well as a uniquely useful plasma environment [6]. Applications of the dense plasma focus in materials science [7], nanotechnology [8,9], biomedicine [10], production of short-lived radioisotopes for medical imaging [11] have been discussed in literature. Another potential application that has received attention is space propulsion.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the representation of dense plasma focus as a circuit element

Auluck

2021

Physics of Plasmas

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Space propulsion is unique among many proposed applications of the Dense Plasma Focus in being critically dependent on the availability of a scaling theory that is well-grounded in physics, in conformity with existing experimental knowledge and applicable to experimentally untested configurations. This paper derives such a first-principles-based scaling theory and illustrates its application to a novel space propulsion concept, where the plasma focus sheath is employed as a power density amplifying mechanism to transport electric energy from a capacitive storage to a current-driven fusion load. For this purpose, a Generalized Plasma Focus problem is introduced and formulated. It concerns a finite, axisymmetric plasma, driven through a neutral gas at supersonic speed over distances much larger than its typical gradient scale length by its azimuthal magnetic field while remaining connected with its pulse power source through suitable boundaries. The Gratton-Vargas equation is rederived from the scaling properties of the equations governing plasma dynamics and solved for algebraically defined initial (insulator) and boundary (anode) surfaces. Scaling relations for a new space propulsion concept are derived. This consists of a modified plasma focus with a tapered anode that transports current from a pulsed power source to a consumable portion of the anode in the form of a hypodermic needle tube continuously extruded along the axis of the device. When the tube is filled with deuterium, the device may serve as a small-scale version of magnetized liner inertial fusion (MAGLIF) that could avoid failure of neutron yield scaling in a conventional plasma focus.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the representation of dense plasma focus as a circuit element

Auluck

2021

Physics of Plasmas

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High energy ion beams from the plasma focus

Roshan¹

2022

Applied Radiation and Isotopes

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Generalized plasma focus problem and its application to space propulsion

Auluck

2023

Physics of Plasmas

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Space propulsion is unique among many proposed applications of the dense plasma focus in being critically dependent on the availability of a scaling theory that is well-grounded in physics, in conformity with existing experimental knowledge and applicable to experimentally untested configurations. This paper derives such a first-principles-based scaling theory and illustrates its application to a novel space propulsion concept, where the plasma focus sheath is employed as a power density amplifying mechanism to transport electric energy from a capacitive storage to a current-driven fusion load. For this purpose, a Generalized Plasma Focus problem is introduced and formulated. It concerns a finite, axisymmetric plasma, driven through a neutral gas at supersonic speed over distances much larger than its typical gradient scale length by its azimuthal magnetic field while remaining connected with its pulse power source through suitable boundaries. The Gratton-Vargas equation is rederived from the scaling properties of the equations governing plasma dynamics and solved for algebraically defined initial (insulator) and boundary (anode) surfaces. Scaling relations for a new space propulsion concept are derived. This consists of a modified plasma focus with a tapered anode that transports current from a pulsed power source to a consumable portion of the anode in the form of a hypodermic needle tube continuously extruded along the axis of the device. When the tube is filled with deuterium, the device may serve as a small-scale version of magnetized liner inertial fusion (MAGLIF) that could avoid failure of neutron yield scaling in a conventional plasma focus.

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Low-Energy Plasma Focus Proves Medical Grade Radioactivity Production

Cited by 4 publications

References 19 publications

On the representation of dense plasma focus as a circuit element

On the representation of dense plasma focus as a circuit element

High energy ion beams from the plasma focus

Generalized plasma focus problem and its application to space propulsion

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