Neutron Yield Scaling With Inductance in Plasma Focus

Neutron yield is enhanced by reduction of the short-circuit plasma focus inductance L
₀
, which in turn increases the pinch current I
_pinch
. Numerical experiments are carried out to optimize the neutron production using the Lee model on small plasma focus devices (several kilojoules), such as UNU/ICTP PFF, NX2, and LDiana. The maximum neutron yield is obtained for each L
₀
with a combination of gas pressure as well as anode length and radius (Y
_n
versus z
₀
, p
₀
and a at fixed L
₀
). The numerical experiments confirm the limitation effect of I
_pinch
, and suggest an optimum L
₀
in the range of 10-20 nH. Finally, the neutron yield is scaled with system inductance.