Development of a Compact Deuterium–Deuterium Neutron Generator for Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis

Abstract

A compact deuterium–deuterium neutron generator for prompt gamma neutron activation analysis was developed at Institute of Nuclear Physics and Chemistry. A neutron yield of 3.6 × 108 s–1 was achieved during of the bombardment of a titanium drive-in target by a 6.8 mA deuteron beam at 115 keV. The deuteron beam was generated by a permanent magnet microwave ion source. An 85 h long run with 1.2 × 108 s–1 average neutron yield was performed at 85 keV and 3.7 mA. The operating mode of the neutron generator reached 99.95%.