0.2-kJ and 2-kJ high rep rate Dense Plasma foci: their design, technology and applications

The paper presents various designs of several medium and small size Dense P lasma Focus (DPF) chambers intended for numerous applications, a descriptio n of technologies used in these facilities, and some results reached with t hese devices by using a number of diagnostic techniques. In present experim ents the DP foci have been used mainly as an X-ray source. We discuss here how it is possible to satisfy absolutely new and very strict demands on the construction and technology for the devices to be eventually applied in sc ience and industry. Between these characteristics there are a high repetiti on rate (typically 1...15 Hz) and a long lifetime lover 1 million shots). T heir switching elements, a collector and chambers must withstand a high qua si-continuous heat load (up to 100 kW). High energy density in the central part of the chamber anode and the necessity to provide a channel for radiat ion extraction demanded a special construction and specific materials imple mentation in this region. Their X-ray spectrum should be tuned. They have t o operate with different working gases and preferably in a wide range of pr essures. All these points are discussed in this report. Capabilities of the described techniques are illustrated by results of the recent experimental studies carried out with facilities located at the Nanyang Technological U niversity (NX1) as well as at the Lebedev Physical Institute (PF-0.2).