Plasma window performance and scaling for an accelerator-based neutron source

Abstract

A “plasma window” was developed for use with a SHINE accelerator-based neutron source. In this work, the design of the plasma window is presented along with results demonstrating successful operation in deuterium over a range of aperture diameters (5–12 mm), gas flow rates (3.5 to 12.5 slm), and input powers (10–55 kW). Here, an empirically determined relationship between the aperture diameter, deuterium gas flow rate, input power, and plasma window pressure differential is also presented.