Neutron Energy and Flux Distributions from a Crossed-Field Acceleration Model of Plasma Focus and Z-Pinch Discharges

摘要

Anisotropic distributions of neutron fluxes and neutron energy spectra are calculated for D-D reactions in self-pinching discharges, particularly for a plasma focus. A generalized beam-target model is assumed where (1) high-energy deuterons have angular distributions consistent with a crossed-field acceleration mechanism, and (2) these energetic deuterons undergo fusion collisions primarily with stationary target ions. Energy distributions of ions proportional to 1/(E sub d) cubed in the range from 50 to as high as 600 keV give computed results agreeing with many experimental observations at laboratory angles of 0, 90, and 180 deg. These ion-energy distributions can account for a 50- to 100-fold increase in neutron yeild when a deuterium-tritium gas mixture is used. (Author)