LPP received the first results from the small DPF we are collaborating with at Ferrara, Italy.  So far, only the main Rogowski coil which measures current and dI/dt and the neutron counters are working.  Noise problems are still being eliminated on the downstream Rogowski coils that measure the ion beams.

Research work on Focus Fusion included efforts to develop an Advanced Technology Program (ATP) grant application with GMU.  The application focused on the DPF as a source of X-rays.  The collaboration with GMU was necessary as university partners are an asset in applying for this type of grant.

Note: Collaboration with the University of Ferrara has not progressed as they are still awaiting funding from the European Union. This endeavor is on hold.

Lerner presented new theoretical results at the annual meeting of the American Physical Society in April 2003 (Philadelphia) and at the Fifth Symposium on Current Trends in International Fusion Research in March, 2003 (Washington, D.C.) showing that giga-gauss magnetic fields produced by the plasma focus will decrease the cooling of the plasma by x-rays, making net energy easier to achieve.

May 2003:  Lawrenceville Plasma Physics, National Autonomous University of Mexico Prepare New Focus Experiments.