Dense plasma focus Z-pinches for high gradient particle acceleration

Summary form only given. Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) experiments emit intense ~MeV level ion and electron beams, as well as X-rays and D-D neutrons that persist for ~100 ns. Although DPFs are traditionally operated as neutron or X-ray sources, in this talk we examine the possibility of using the experimentally observed ~MV/cm gradients for a high-gradient accelerator. A simple capacitor driven DPF model and acceleration mechanisms are discussed along with available experimental beam data. An ~MV level high-gradient DPF accelerator has application for compact and rugged radiological sources. If scalable to higher energies, the DPF accelerator might provide a unique and cost-effective general plasma-based accelerator technology.