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Diagnosing current losses in the MJOLNIR DPF

POSTER

Abstract

A dense plasma focus (DPF) is a compact coaxial plasma gun which completes its discharge as a z-pinch. At LLNL the MJOLNIR (MegaJOuLe Neutron Imaging Radiography) DPF is designed for radiography and high yield operations. This device has achieved neutron yields up to 3E11 neutrons/pulse at 2.2 MA pinch current while operating at up to 1 MJ of stored energy. The experiments run on MJONILR are complemented by unique particle-in-cell simulations of the DPF discharges. These detailed simulations show a mismatch between the simulated and measured currents, suggesting that current loses are occurring somewhere in the DPF head. In order to determine if, and where, current is being lost a set of B-dot probes and Rogowski coils have been developed. Both the probe designs and preliminary results from this set of new diagnostics will be presented.

Presenters

  • Paul C Campbell

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of Michigan

Authors

  • Paul C Campbell

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of Michigan

  • Clement S Goyon

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Steven Chapman

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Alexander P Povilus

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Rick Anaya

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Michael G Anderson

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Don Max

    Mission Support and Test Services

  • Anthony J Link

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Christopher M Cooper

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Andrea E Schmidt

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab