摘要 |
A novel arrangement that combines in a single compact embodiment a plasma flow switch source of ultrahigh speed plasma and an electromagnetically-imploded cylindrical shell. The shell, known as a liner, forms the wall of a cavity that receives and stagnates the plasma flow. The plasma and the liner are connected electrically in series so that a single multi-megampere current serves both elements and operates from the same power source and switch. The operation is timed so that the plasma is injected into the cavity once the liner has attained sufficient implosion speed. The liner then continues to implode, reducing the cavity volume and compressing the plasma further to very high temperatures and densities, thereby creating a compact, intense pulsed neutron source generated by thermonuclear reactions in the compressed plasma. Such a neutron source has application for neutralizing bio/chemical warfare agents, radiography, and material processing.
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