Sustained Neutron Production from a Sheared-Flow Stabilized Z Pinch

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Fusion Energy
• Nuclear Engineering

Background:

• Sheared-flow stabilized Z-pinch devices have shown potential for long-lived plasmas with fusion-relevant parameters.
• Previous Z-pinch experiments have not achieved sustained neutron production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate sustained, quasi-steady-state neutron production from a fusion Z-pinch experiment.
• To characterize the plasma conditions during neutron emission.

Main Methods:

• Operation of a Z-pinch device using a 20% deuterium/80% hydrogen gas mixture.
• Measurement of neutron emissions, pinch currents, plasma temperatures, and densities.
• Utilizing integrated diagnostics for plasma characterization.

Main Results:

• Reproducible observation of neutron emissions lasting approximately 5 microseconds.
• Average neutron yield of (1.25±0.45)×10^5 neutrons/pulse.
• Neutron yield scales with the square of the deuterium concentration.
• Measured plasma temperatures of 1-2 keV and densities of ~10^17 cm^-3 at pinch radii of 0.3 cm.

Conclusions:

• The sheared-flow stabilized Z pinch can achieve sustained fusion neutron production.
• The experimental results validate the potential of Z-pinch devices for fusion energy applications.
• Further research can optimize deuterium concentration and operational parameters for increased neutron yields.