Neutron Energy and Flux Distributions from a Crossed-Field Acceleration Model of Plasma Focus and Z-Pinch Discharges

Abstract

Anisotropic distributions of neutron fluxes and neutron energy spectra are calculated for D‐D reactions in self‐pinching discharges, particularly for a plasma focus. A generalized beam‐target model is assumed where (1) high‐energy deuterons have angular distributions consistent with a crossed‐field acceleration mechanism, and (2) these energetic deuterons undergo fusion collisions primarily with stationary target ions. Energy distributions of ions proportional to E d −3 in the range from 50 to as high as 600 keV give computed results agreeing with many experimental observations at laboratory angles of 0°, 90°, and 180°. These ion‐energy distributions can account for a 50‐to 100‐fold increase in neutron yield when a deuterium‐tritium gas mixture is used.