Implementation of the dense plasma focus device Bora

Upgrading of the dense plasma focus device Bora and its diagnostic complex to fit all the demands of radiation material sciences and some spin-off applications has been fulfilled. Samples of materials counted as perspective ones for use in the first wall and construction elements in nuclear fusion reactors with magnetic and inertial plasma confinement (W, Mo, Ti, Al, low activated ferritic steel Eurofer and some alloys) were irradiated in the device in the frame of the IAEA CRP round robin tests. The device Bora generates powerful streams of hot dense (T ~ 1 keV, n ≤ 10¹⁹ cm^-3) deuterium plasma (v ≤ 3 × 10⁷ cm/s) and fast deuterons (E ~ 0.1-1.0 MeV) of power flux densities up to 10¹⁰-10¹² W/cm² correspondingly. The damage factor, F = P × τ0.5, ensures an opportunity to simulate radiation loads (predictable for both reactors types) by the plasma and ion streams, which have same nature and namely those parameters as expected in the fusion reactor modules. Before and after irradiation we provided investigations of our samples by means of a number of analytical techniques. Among them we used optical and scanning electron microscopy to understand character and parameters of damageability of the surface layers of the samples. Atomic force microscopy was applied to measure roughness of the surface after irradiation. These characteristics are quite important for understanding the mechanisms and values of dust production in fusion reactor that may relate to tritium retention and emergency situations in fusion reactor facilities. We also applied two new techniques. For surface examinations we elaborated the portable X ray diffractometer that combines X ray single photon detection with high spectroscopic and angular resolutions. For bulk damageability investigations we applied an X ray microscopic computerized tomography system. We have also provided numerical simulation of the fast ion beam action. The paper contains also results on the laboratory activity in some spin-off applications of the device in nuclear medicine, dynamic quality control and for training of young researchers. (author)