Neutron diagnostics for pulsed high-density thermonuclear plasmas.

Time-resolved measurements of the neutron flux from the Scylla IV-P linear theta-pinch experiment have been made with scintillator-photomultiplier combinations. Calibration of the detectors is accomplished by a comparison of their time-integrated output with the total neutron yield measured using a foil-activation technique for which an accurate calibration has been established. The temperature of the Maxwellian ion velocity distribution that would produce the observed flux is obtained from the Maxwellian reactivity < sigmav >(DD) for D (d,n)He3 and measurements of the temporal evolution of the plasma column density and dimensions.

Cornell Thomson scattering system.

A Thomson scattering system has been designed and constructed for probing a relativistic electron beam heated plasma. Ruby laser light scattered through 90 degrees is resolved by a polychromator and detected by one of six photomultipliers. The system is capable of resolving electron temperatures of 150 eV at densities of n(e)<10(13) cm(-3) with a 4-J ruby laser and an f/9 throughput collection system.