skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Characteristics of a RF-Driven Ion Source for a Neutron Generator Used For Associated Particle Imaging

Conference ·
OSTI ID:983260

We present recent work on a prototype compact neutron generator for associated particle imaging (API). API uses alpha particles that are produced simultaneously with neutrons in the deuterium-tritium (2D(3T,n)4 alpha) fusion reaction to determine the direction of the neutrons upon exiting the reaction. This method determines the spatial position of each neutron interaction and requires the neutrons to be generated from a small spot in order to achieve high spatial resolution. The ion source for API is designed to produce a focused ion beam with a beam spot diameter of 1-mm or less on the target. We use an axial type neutron generator with a predicted neutron yield of 108 n/s for a 50 muA D/T ion beam current accelerated to 80 kV. The generator utilizes a RF planar spiral antenna at 13.56 MHz to create a highly efficient inductively-coupled plasma at the ion source. Experimental results show that beams with an atomic ion fraction of over 80percent can be obtained while utilizing only 100 watts of RF power in the ion source. A single acceleration gap with a secondary electron suppression electrode is used in the tube. Experimental results, such as the current density, atomic ion fraction, electron temperature, and electron density, from ion source testing will be discussed.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
Accelerator& Fusion Research Division
DOE Contract Number:
DE-AC02-05CH11231
OSTI ID:
983260
Report Number(s):
LBNL-3414E; TRN: US1004442
Resource Relation:
Conference: 20th International Converence on the Applications of Accelerators in Research and Instusry (CAARI' 08), Forth Worth, TX, August 8-13, 2008; Related Information: Journal Publication Date: March 2009
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English