Preliminary tests and performance estimate of PFMA-1, the first prototype of a plasma focus device for SLR production

PFMA-1 (Plasma Focus for Medical Applications - 1) is the first prototype of a new application of the plasma focus technology conceived to produce short lived radioisotopes (SLR) for medical PET-TAC imaging applications. The device is a 30 kV, 150 kJ, 40 nH Mather-type plasma focus designed for repetition frequencies up to 1 Hz and dedicated to the neutron- free endogenous production of ¹⁸F by ³He-¹⁶O reactions. This paper describes some preliminary tests related to the pressure optimization of the gases used in PFMA-1, and presents some final considerations about performance improvements.