Preliminary tests and performance estimate of PFMA-1, the first prototype of a plasma focus device for SLR production

Abstract

PFMA-1 (Plasma Focus for Medical Applications -1) is the first prototype of a new application of the Plasma Focus technology conceived to produce Short Lived Radioisotopes (SLR) for medical PET-TAC imaging applications. The device is a 30 kV, 150 kJ, 40 nH Mather-type plasma focus designed for repetition frequencies up to 1 Hz and dedicated to the neutronfree endogenous production of 18 F by 3 He -16 O reactions. This paper describes some preliminary tests related to the pressure optimization of the gases used in PFMA-1, and presents some final considerations about performance improvements.

Effect of a cathodic knife edge on the PFMA-1 pinch performance

“…The results of this analysis show that the time-to-pinch for the present electrode dimensions is too small with respect to the first maximum of the natural, current eigenmode of the external driving circuit [10] (in this reference the unit of pressure for equation (2) and figure 11 has been erroneously indicated as µbar: the horizontal axis of the figure should read Pa instead, and likewise the explanations following the equation). At high pressures the ionized gas inertia is such that the pinch is retarded up to times when the externally provided current, and therefore the associated compressing force, is higher.…”