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U.S. Department of Energy
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Steady-state, high-dose neutron generation and concentration apparatus and method for deuterium atoms

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5934627

A steady-state source of neutrons is produced within an electrically grounded and temperature controlled chamber confining tritium or deuterium plasma at a predetermined density to effect implantation of ions in the surface of a palladium target rod coated with diffusion barrier material and immersed in such plasma. The rod is enriched with a high concentration of deuterium atoms after a prolonged plasma ion implantation. Collision of the deuterium atoms in the target by impinging ions of the plasma initiates fusion reactions causing emission of neutrons during negative voltage pulses applied to the rod through a high power modulator. The neutrons are so generated at a relatively high dose rate under optimized process conditions.

Research Organization:
Department of the Navy, Washington, DC (United States)
Assignee:
Department of the Navy, Washington, DC.
Patent Number(s):
PAT-APPL-7-724 083
OSTI ID:
5934627
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English