Compact Repetitive Plasma Focus as a Powerful Source for Hard-X-Ray and Neutron Scanning

In this communication a tabletop version of medium energy Plasma Focus is presented. It was designed for x- ray and neutron based applications, has a 5.6 muF bank formed by 8 capacitors, operates at 30 kV, delivers 250 kA in a quarter-period of 1.3 mus, and produces 3 10⁷ neutrons per pulse at a repetition rate of 1 Hz. The hard x- ray output of this device is used for introspective imaging of metallic pieces, whereas the neutron yield is used for substance interrogation. A simplified model for the design engineering of this device is discussed, providing both the expected neutron yield and the x-ray characteristic energy. The hard x-ray output characteristics are evaluated from the acceleration voltage induced in the pinch, which is around 100 kV. Experiments conducted to validate the model are presented, showing a good agreement between the theoretical results and the experimental data.