Technology and Applications of Neutron Generators Developed by Adelphi Technology, Inc

Abstract

A standard product line of high yield neutron generators has been developed at Adelphi Technology Inc. The generators use the D-D fusion reaction and are driven by an ion beam supplied by a microwave ion source. Yields of up to 5×109 n/s have been achieved, which are comparable to those obtained using the more efficient D-T reaction. The microwave-driven plasma uses the electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) to produce a high plasma density for high current and high atomic ion species. These generators have an actively pumped vacuum system that allows operation at reduced pressure in the target chamber, increasing the overall system reliability. Variations of these generators have been produced to increase the yield and total flux available. Several of the generators have been enclosed in radiation shielding/moderator structures designed for customer specifications. These generators have been proven to be useful for prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA), neutron activation analysis (NAA) and fast neutron radiography. Pulsed and continuous operation has been demonstrated. Larger thermal neutron fluxes are expected to be obtained by multiple ion beams striking a central target that is filled with moderating material. Thus these generators make excellent fast, epithermal and thermal neutron sources for laboratories and industrial applications that require neutrons with safe operation, small footprint, low cost and small regulatory burden.