Results of First Experiments with the Sparky III Dense Plasma Focus at the University of Nevada, Reno

Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) devices are capable of producing significant hard x-rays and neutron yields. Previous research with the Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL's) high-impedance HAWK DPF, which utilizes a unique initialization method known as Local Mass Injection (LMI), has provided unusually high neutron yields when compared to other pulsed power devices of similar current magnitudes (approximately 10x higher than expected). The low-impedance Sparky III device at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is being used to investigate this phenomenon further, in collaboration with NRL. This presentation will showcase the results of the first joint UNR/NRL experiments with Sparky III, which demonstrated successful operation in both traditional static fill DPF operation as well as LMI DPF operation. The primary diagnostics for these pilot experiments included a Rogowski Coil, a High Voltage Probe, plastic scintillator photomultiplier (PMT) detectors for neutron measurements, and a visible light camera. Theoretical support includes MHD simulations which help to interpret physical effects underlying experimental observations and non-LTE kinetic modeling for plasma spectroscopy diagnostics. Plans for future neutron yield optimization and x-ray diagnostic implementation will be discussed.