Research on IEC - a plasma-target-based neutron source

Journal Article · Mon Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society

OSTI ID:552671

Miley, G H; Gu, Y; Stubbers, R ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL (United States); and others

Inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) offers a unique plasma target neutron source. Deuteron ions are accelerated, producing fusion reactions as they react with a deuterium plasma target. Current devices offer 10{sup 6} to 10{sup 7} 2.5-MeV deuterium-deuterium (D-D) n/s during steady-state operation. Conversion to higher energy (14-MeV) neutrons by substituting deuterium-tritium (D-T) fill gas gives 10{sup 8} to 10{sup 9} D-T n/s. Higher yield (> 10{sup 9} D-D n/s time averaged) pulsed versions are under development. Consequently, the IEC neutron source is currently competitive, in neutron strength, with {sup 252}Cf and with small accelerator solid-target sources. Further, it offers a number of advantages, including an on-off capability, long lifetime (avoiding target deterioration or radioactive decay), and minimum radioactivity involvement. These features simplify IEC usage and ease licensing restrictions. For these reasons, the IEC provides an excellent laboratory neutron source and an attractive, cost-efficient industrial source for neutron activation analysis and nondestructive testing.

• OSTI ID: 552671
• Report Number(s): CONF-971125--
• Journal Information: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society Vol. 77; ISSN 0003-018X; ISSN TANSAO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
COST
DESIGN
ICF DEVICES
NEUTRON SOURCES
RADIOACTIVITY
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
TARGETS