Optimization of Neon Soft X-ray Emission in Low Energy Dense Plasma Focus Device

TL;DR

This study uses numerical modeling to optimize neon soft X-ray emission in a dense plasma focus device, achieving significantly higher yields through electrode geometry adjustments and parameter optimization.

Contribution

The paper introduces a detailed numerical optimization of neon soft X-ray yield in a dense plasma focus device, improving yield by adjusting electrode geometry and static inductance.

Findings

Maximum neon Ysxr yield of 63.61 J at optimal parameters.

Yield is 12-13 times higher than measured value at 3.0 Torr.

Yield is about 7 times higher than previous computations at 3.5 Torr.

Abstract

The Lee model code is used in numerical experiments for characterizing and optimizing neon soft X-ray (Ysxr) yield of UNU/ICTP PFF machine operated at 14 kV and 30 micro F. The neon Ysxr yield of the dense plasma focus device is enhanced by reducing static inductance (L0) and anode length (z0) along with increasing anode radius (a) and cathode radius (b), keeping their ratio (c = b/a) constant at 3.368. At the optimum combination of the electrodes geometry and static inductance, the maximum computed value of neon Ysxr yield is 63.61 J at operating pressure 3.3 Torr with corresponding X-ray yield efficiency 2.16%, while the end axial speed becomes 6.42 cm/s. This value of neon Ysxr yield is twelve to thirteen times higher than the measured value (5.4 J) at 3.0 Torr. It is also found that this neon Ysxr yield is improved around seven times from previously computed value (9.5 J) at 3.5 Torr for optimum anode configuration of this machine. Our obtained results of neon Ysxr yield are also compared with the computed results of AECS-PF2 machine operated at 15 kV and 25 micro F and is found that our results are about three times better than that from the optimized AECS-PF2 at L0 = 15 nH.