Recent experimental results of plasma focus research at Stuttgart

Important factors influencing the operation of a Mather type Plasma focus (geometry, current density distributions, polarity) are investigated. Spatial density distributions and the development of instabilities are determined by a time sequence of interferograms (0.5 ns exposure) taken at the same shot. Their correlation to the neutron and hard X-ray emission is established. An ionization wave caused by accelerated fast deuterons is preceding the axial shock wave and propagating into the disturbed region. From the measured velocity of this ionization wave the maximum energy of the accelerated deuterons can be determined. Preliminary results of a high voltage plasma focus (120 kV) are presented. (author)