Spatial and temporal evolution of neutron emission from a small plasma focus

Neutron emission of a low energy 3.3 kJ (15 kV) plasma focus operated in pure deuterium and in deuterium-argon admixtures is studied. Both the time resolved and time integrated techniques are employed simultaneously. The time resolved measurements are made using six plastic scintillator-photomultiplier detectors placed at different angular positions. Two sets of Indium foil activation counters are used for the time integrated measurements. In general, two periods of neutron emission are observed with the second period emission being more energetic. Thus at least two different mechanisms may be involved in the neutron production.