COMSOL Aided Design of an Extraction Pipe for the Electron Beam from a Plasma Focus Device

M. Valentinuzzi[1], E. Ceccolini[1], D. Mostacci[1], M. Sumini[1], F. Rocchi[2]
[1]Montecuccolino Nuclear Engineering Laboratory, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
[2]UTFISSM-PRONOC, ENEA, Bologna, Italy
Published in 2012

The electron beam emitted backward by Plasma Focus devices is being investigated as a radiation source for IORT (Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy) applications. A Plasma Focus device is being developed to this aim. The electron beam is driven through an electron pipe made of stainless steel to impinge on a 50 ?m brass foil, where conversion X-rays are generated. Electromagnetic forces in the Plasma Focus device have to be investigated to understand their influence on the electron beam produced by the extraction tube. The AC/DC Module in COMSOL is being used to simulate the electromagnetic field in the extraction tube to determine the optimum material.