Dense Plasma Focus
A pulsed plasma device that uses electromagnetic forces to accelerate and pinch a plasma column into a short-lived, high-density hot spot.
Governing formula
E_k ~ 10–100 kJ (Electromagnetic Acceleration and Pinch)
SI unit
kJ (Capacitor Energy) & Short Pulses (ns)
In depth
Capacitor banks discharge through coaxial electrodes. Lorentz forces accelerate a current sheath down the barrel, pinching it into a dense hot spot (~100 ns) emitting intense pulses of X-rays, neutrons, and ion beams.
Examples in the real world
Compact dense plasma focus devices generating short neutron pulses for non-destructive inspection and radioisotope production.