Current and neutron yield scaling of fast high voltage plasma focus

Numerical and experimental studies have been made concerning an increase of the effective discharge current for the plasma focus from a bank of constant energy. From the higher discharge current an increased neutron yield is expected. Experimentally an 85 kV/12 kJ device with a current rise time of 600 ns was investigated. The obtained neutron yield was larger by a factor of 3 compared to devices of equal energy but low voltage. The geometrical and pressure variations necessary for optimization, are discussed. Using MHD-calculations and impedance considerations, various banks, including those with high voltage and low inductance, are compared with respect to plasma data and discharge current.