Characterization of an Associated Particle Neutron Generator With ZnO:Ga Alpha-Detector and Active Focusing

Abstract

A deuterium-tritium (DT) associated particle neutron generator (APNG) with active focusing has been operated using an alpha particle detector made of a ZnO:Ga phosphor with decay time of approximately 1 ns. The APNG is capable of producing 109 neutrons per second. The DT beam spot diameter was adjusted and measured from 7 mm to 2.1 mm with the possibility of achieving 1 mm subject to the removal of a safety interlock protecting the APNG tritiated target. In addition, the alpha detector was found to have a detection efficiency of 88% and sub-nanosecond time resolution (<0.7 ns) using a Burle 8850 bialkali photocathode. Lastly, the neutron beam was obstructed using various amounts of lead shielding to study the generator's imaging contrast capability for neutron radiography. The APNG provides high-rate capability and a large solid angle with acceptance of 8%.