Soft x-ray emission in the neon gas puff plasma focus

Abstract

Correlation between soft x-ray emission and dynamic plasma behavior is discussed for a plasma focus device with injected neon. Intense H-like and He-like lines from neon are radiated during an interval when the plasma appears from a visible-light streak camera to be stable. However, data from a multiframing soft x-ray camera indicate the growth of m=0 macroscopic instabilities during this period. The peak of the soft x-ray signal coincides with the micropinch generated in the plasma column, and the emission ends simultaneously with the extinction of the visible light. The electron temperature and density, which are obtained from spectroscopic analysis, are ∼0.5 keV and ∼1022 cm−3, respectively.

Pinch modes produced in the SPEED2 plasma focus

“…A low energy density results in the MPM whereas high-energy-density plasmas reproducibly create the SCM. Also other experiments [5][6][7][8] produce column-like modes (CMs) in light gases or admixtures, but their plasma structures appear much less uniform, homogeneous and reproducibly stable than the SCM described here. It has also been found [2] that micropinches are actuated by local radiative collapses, the necessary condition of which are column necks (m = 0 instabilities) at these places.…”

Temporal and spatial study of neon ion emission from a plasma focus device

“…7 Basically, the ion beam is generated from the magnetically compressed plasma column of the PF device along with the other radiations such as x rays and electron beams. [8][9][10] The mechanism of the ion beam generation in the PF device is still not only fascinating the PF researchers but also its complex nature prompted them to understand the physical mechanism behind their generation and acceleration. A few physical models have also been developed in this regard, which could provide some information on the said issues.…”