Design of a Megajoule-Class Dense Plasma Focus as a Flash Neutron Source At LLNL

The MegaJOuLe Neutron Imaging Radiography (MJOLNIR) experiment is an approximately 3MA (upgradable to 4.5MA) dense plasma focus (DPF) that has been designed and is currently being constructed at LLNL. The goal of the device is to produce an intense, flash source of neutrons for radiography applications. The device will leverage recent results from both LSP hybrid fluid/kinetic simulations and smaller scale DPF’s at LLNL. These modifications include improvements to conventional DPF designs such as advanced anode geometries, modified insulator geometry vacuum chamber/electrodes removable as a sealed unit, and an improved diagnostic package. Here, we present an overview of the current device design, including progress made in prototyping and constructing the device. We also report on status of first plasmas.