The MegaJOuLe Neutron Imaging Radiography (MJOLNIR) platform is open to collaborators to lead campaigns using our multi-MA pulsed power driver. MOLNIR can serve as a testbed for new diagnostics in hard radiation environments, a springboard for experimental concepts before deployment at single shot flagship facilities such as the NIF or Z and as a pipeline and training ground for the future workforce in the areas of pulsed power, plasma physics, and high energy density science.
The MJOLNIR DPF can provide multi-MA currents while producing energetic ions, neutrons and X-rays. Whilst it has been developed as a neutron source, the platform also generates several Joules of X-rays as well as a TW ion beam, making this source interesting for materials damage testing and diagnostic development in the high energy density community. A tailored magnetic field with an axial component could generate plasma jets, benefiting laboratory astrophysics and similar experiments. Electrodes on MJOLNIR are swappable which makes it of interest to the pulsed power community for power flow studies.
The extensive suite of diagnostics on our platform and the short 20 min turn-around time make it a unique source in the nation. Users can take 15 or more shots in one day due to the self-healing properties of gas loads. Higher-Z dopants (Ne, Kr, Ar) can be added with 1 mTorr precision; different fill gases could be investigated. A re-entrant port allows diagnostics and samples to be placed on-axis within ~15cm of the pinch region. Well-characterized shots and a high rep-rate make MJOLNIR an ideal place to develop diagnostics prior to fielding them on lower shot-rate platforms.
The MJOLNIR facility is an ideal place for students to learn plasma physics, pulsed power engineering, diagnostics design, and experimental campaign planning. The mid-range size of the facility means it is more accessible than a large platform like Z, while at the same time it offers a comprehensive suite of diagnostics and a multi-MA-class machine. This accessibility allows students to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and conduct high-quality science. MJOLNIR also provides a unique opportunity to build connections with experts and gain insight into the operations of national laboratories, bridging the gap between academic research and large-scale scientific facilities.
Neutron yield in 4r – 1.2 x 10 at 1.2 MJ, 4 x10 at 2 MJ
Neutron pulse duration
Neutron source size X-ray yield
X-ray pulse
X-ray Radiative Temperature Ion beam peak power
Fast Ion energy” (>25 keV) Plasma Te/Ti
Electron density at stagnation”
Azimuthal B-field at stagnation”
Peak Current
Gas fill
Discharge repetition rate
~30 ns
3.5 mm
1-20 J in 4m
<30 ns 50-100 keV 0.5-1 TW up to 10 kJ 0.1-20 keV 100cm >200 T 4.4 MA D2/ H2/ H, + on-axis
gas jet
20 min per discharge
Call for Proposals
Now accepting proposals for research projects at our facilities. Your proposals will be reviewed by our team and grants awarded to researchers who meet criteria.
