Neutron accelerator tube having improved ionization section

Patent · Tue Jan 12 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:5550347

Givens, W W

A neutron accelerator tube is described having a target section, an ionization section, and a replenisher section for supplying accelerator gas to the ionization section. The ionization section is located between the target and the replenisher section and includes an ionization chamber adapted to receive accelerator gas from the replenisher section. The ionization section further includes spaced cathodes having opposed active surfaces exposed to the interior of the ionization chamber. An anode is located intermediate the cathodes whereby in response to an applied positive voltage, electrons created by field emission are transmitted between the opposed active surfaces of the cathodes and produce the emission of secondary electrons. The active surface of at least one of the cathodes is formulated of a material having a secondary electron emission factor of at least one cathode member located in the tube adjacent to th replenisher section may have a protuberant portion extending axially into the ionization chamber. The other cathode spaced from the first cathode member in the direction of the target has an aperture therein along the axis of the protuberant portion. An annular magnet extends around the exterior of the ionization chamber and envelops the anode member. Means are provided to establish a high permeability magnetic flux path extending outwardly from the opposed poles from the magnet to the active surfaces of the cathode members.

• Assignee: Mobil Corp
• Patent Number(s): US 4310765
• OSTI ID: 5550347
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS
430303* -- Particle Accelerators-- Experimental Facilities & Equipment
ACCELERATOR FACILITIES
ACCELERATORS
CATHODES
DESIGN
ELECTRODES
IONIZATION CHAMBERS
MAGNETIC FLUX
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NEUTRON SOURCES
PARTICLE SOURCES
RADIATION DETECTORS
RADIATION SOURCES
TARGET CHAMBERS
TUBES