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Optimization of the Neutron Source Size for Dense Plasma Focus using Particle-In-Cell Simulations

POSTER

Abstract

The dense plasma focus (DPF) devices can serve as portable neutron sources for radiography when deuterium is utilized as the filling gas. Improving the resolution of the radiography system relies on reducing the size of the neutron source generated by DPF. In this study, we employ the particle-in-cell (PIC) code Chicago1 to simulate different anode shapes at varying pressures. Our findings reveal that both the implosion radius and the slope angle of the anode significantly influence the size of the pinch column during stagnation. This aspect has a considerable impact on the neutron source size, particularly in the early stages of the neutron production process. Additionally, the pressure of the filling gas determines the collisionality of the pinch plasma, which further affects compression. We will present a detailed comparison of these factors.

[1]. C. Thoma, D. R. Welch, R. E. Clark, D. V. Rose, and I. E. Golovkin. Physics of Plasmas, 24, 6 2017.

Presenters

  • Sheng Jiang

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Authors

  • Sheng Jiang

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Anthony J Link

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Enrique Anaya

    Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL

  • Justin R Angus

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab

  • Paul M Campbell

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL

  • Steven F Chapman

    Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL

  • Christopher Cooper

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL

  • Owen B Drury

    Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL, Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab

  • Clement S Goyon

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Drew Higginson

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Luis Frausto

    Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL

  • Donald Max

    Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Mission Support and Test Services, LLNL

  • Matthew M McMahon

    Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Jaebum Park

    Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL

  • Sophia V Rocco

    LLNL, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • James K Walters

    Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL

  • Amanda Youmans

    Lawrence Livermore natl laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  • Andrea Schmidt

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLNL