Neutron Yield Scaling With Inductance in Plasma Focus

Neutron yield is enhanced by reduction of the short-circuit plasma focus inductance L₀, which in turn increases the pinch current I_pinch. Numerical experiments are carried out to optimize the neutron production using the Lee model on small plasma focus devices (several kilojoules), such as UNU/ICTP PFF, NX2, and LDiana. The maximum neutron yield is obtained for each L₀ with a combination of gas pressure as well as anode length and radius (Y_n versus z₀, p₀ and a at fixed L₀). The numerical experiments confirm the limitation effect of I_pinch, and suggest an optimum L₀ in the range of 10-20 nH. Finally, the neutron yield is scaled with system inductance.