A fast miniature plasma focus based compact and portable nanosecond pulsed neutron source

A low energy fast miniature plasma focus device ‘FMPF-1’ has recently been developed to be used as compact and portable nanosecond pulsed neutron source for field applications. The system operates in deuterium producing maximum neutron yield in the order of 10 6 neutrons/ pulse in 4� sr. at ~80kA peak discharge current. In the range of 4 to 7mbar distinct and sharp dip in the current derivative signal indicates strong focusing of plasma column registering subsequent emission of hard x-rays (HXR) followed by neutron pulse. The average time duration (FWHM) of HXR and neutron pulses, obtained using NE102A scintillator photomultiplier detector is about ~15 and ~45ns respectively. The overall dimensions of the apparatus including capacitor bank, spark gap and the focus chamber is 0.2m�0.2m�0.5m and the total weight of system is ~25kg.