Preliminary plasma focus studies at ODAK-3K device using track detectors

Abstract

In this study, a newly-constructed plasma focus (PF) device ODAK-3K is introduced to the literature and some results of first fusion research realized in this device are reported. The device has a maximal energy input of 3 kJ and is used for both plasma and D–D reaction explorations. Experiments with deuterium have shown that peak current of I _peak=39 kA flows between the electrodes at P=11.5 mbar for the operation voltage of V=14 kV. An average total neutron yield is measured around 3.3×10⁵ neutrons per shot using CR-39 plastic detectors located in different places opposite to the anode inside the PF chamber. Neutron anisotropy and pressure-dependent neutron yields are also determined for a series of shots.

Keywords:

• plasma focus
• D–D fusion reaction
• CR-39 detector
• scaling law