High Atomic Species Research Articles

Neutron generators developed at LBNL for homeland security and imaging applications

The Plasma and Ion Source Technology Group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has developed various types of advanced neutron generators for wide range of applications. The latest developments include a T–T fusion reaction based point neutron generator for Tensor Technology Inc. for airport cargo screening and a single beam, D–D fusion based axial neutron generator for neutron imaging applications for Adelphi Technology Inc. These neutron generators utilize RF-induction discharge to ionize the deuterium/tritium gas. This discharge method provides high plasma density for high output current, high atomic species from molecular gases, long life operation and versatility for various discharge chamber geometries. Stability of the discharge allows for accurate modeling of the beam dynamics in accelerator section of these neutron generators. Current status of the neutron generator development with experimental data will be presented.