Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Flux enhancement for neutron radiography inspection device

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6541370
This paper describes an apparatus for producing thermal neutron radiographs having a high energy neutron generator comprising an ion accelerator and a target located downstream of the accelerator, the generator having an aperture through which ions are directed against the target for emitting fast neutrons from the target, a collimator for collecting thermal neutrons and a moderator medium disposed between the inlet end of the collimator and the target for thermalizing high energy neutrons produced at the target. It comprises: a neutron flux booster having an inlet, the inlet having a size greater than the generator aperture and being positioned adjacent to the generator aperture to thereby surround the generator aperture, the booster further including a cavity formed therein for receiving the target, the cavity having an opening spaced apart from the booster inlet and being aligned with the booster inlet and further being aligned with the generator aperture, the target being positioned within the cavity and spaced apart from the cavity opening. Said cavity having a depth substantially greater than the thickness of the target such that the booster completely encircles the target except for the cavity opening facing the generator, the booster comprising material having a high neutron cross section such that neutrons produced at the target will undergo collisions with the material to release additional high energy neutrons from the material, the booster disposed between the target and the moderator medium.
Assignee:
LTV Aerospace and Defense Co., Dallas, TX (USA)
Patent Number(s):
A; US 4938916
Application Number:
PPN: US s 6-837548
OSTI ID:
6541370
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English