Effect of anode shape on correlation of neutron emission with pinch energy for a 2.7 kJ Mather-type plasma focus device

Correlation of neutron emission with pinch energy for a Mather-type plasma focus energized by a single capacitor 12.5 μF, 21 kV (2.7 kJ) is investigated by employing time resolved and time integrated detectors for two different anode shapes. The maximum average neutron yield of about 1.3x108 per shot is recorded with cylindrical anode, that increases to 1.6x108 per shot for tapered anode. At optimum pressure the input energy converted to pinch energy is about 24% for cylindrical anode as compared to 36% for tapered anode. It is found that the tapered anode enhances neutron flux about 25±5% both in axial and radial directions and also broadens the pressure range for neutron emission as well as pinch energy. The neutron yield and optimum gas filling pressures are found strongly dependent on the anode shape.