Development of a radiographic method for measuring the discrete spectrum of the electron beam from a plasma focus device

An indirect method is proposed for measuring the relative energy spectrum of the pulsed electron beam of a plasma focus device. The Bremsstrahlung x-ray, generated by the collision of electrons against the anode surface, was measured behind lead filters with various thicknesses using a radiographic film system. A matrix equation was considered in order to explain the relation between the x-ray dose and the spectral amplitudes of the electron beam. The electron spectrum of the device was measured at 0.6 mbar argon and 22 kV charging voltage, in four discrete energy intervals extending up to 500 keV. The results of the experiments show that most of the electrons are emitted in the 125–375 keV energy range and the spectral amplitude becomes negligible beyond 375 keV.