Abstract: A method for a multichannel geophysical data acquisition system is provided in the field of electrical resistivity tomography. Individual and autonomous node operating systems are provided. Separate communication channels for upstream and downstream data transfer, high voltage transfer and synchronization signals are provided. A novel use of high voltage isolation barriers is also provided. A direct memory access data transfer process is provided.

Abstract: The present disclosures relates to an ion beam assembly where a relatively small deflection angle (approximately 15° from the center of the beam line) is used in conjunction with two beam dumps located on either side of the beam. In some embodiments, the combination of the two beam dumps and the magnet assembly can provide an ion beam filter. In some embodiments, the resulting system provides a smaller, safer and more reliable ion beam. In some embodiments, the ion beam can be a proton beam.

Abstract: A neutron tube. At least some of the illustrative embodiments including: generating, from a neutron tube, a first neutron burst having a first characteristic energy spectra; and generating, from the neutron tube, a second neutron burst having a second characteristic energy spectra different than the first characteristic energy spectra, the generating the second neutron burst within one second of generating the first neutron burst.

Abstract: A thermal control and electrical connection means for an electronic radiation source that provides a cooling and electrical connection to an electronic radiation source in high-temperature environment is provided, including at least a means for physically dislocating a positive high-voltage generator from the anode/target of the x-ray source; a means for conveying coolant fluids to a target anode along a coaxially formed connector; and a means for removing heat from the target anode along a coaxially-formed connector. A method of removing thermal energy from the target of an electronic radiation source is also provided, including at least introducing coolant fluids onto the target; removing coolant fluids from the target; and relocating the coolant fluids to another part of the tool for disposal within the wellbore.

Abstract: The indirectly heated cathode ion source assembly employs a cathode cup unit and filament arrangement wherein the filament has a flat face spaced from a tungsten disc-shaped body and is disposed in a space that is surrounded by a thermal barrier to reduce thermal losses. The thermal barrier is formed by a plurality of concentric foils that are closely spaced.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices with improved electrode configuration for downhole nuclear radiation generators are provided. For example, one embodiment of a nuclear radiation generator capable of downhole operation may include a charged particle source, a target material, and an acceleration column between the charged particle source and the target material. The acceleration column may include an intermediate electrode that remains floating at a variable potential, being electrically isolated from the rest of the acceleration column.

Abstract: A radiation generator includes an ion source region, and an acceleration column downstream of the extractor electrode and in fluid communication with the ion source region. The ion source region and the acceleration column contain an ionizable gas. A vacuum pump pumps the ionizable gas from the acceleration column to the ion source region such that a gas pressure in the acceleration column is less than a gas pressure in the ion source region.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for ion beam extraction. In an implementation, the apparatus includes a plasma source (or plasma) and an ion extractor. The plasma source is adapted to generate ions and the ion extractor is immersed in the plasma source to extract a fraction of the generated ions. The ion extractor is surrounded by a space charge formed at least in part by the extracted ions. The ion extractor includes a biased electrode forming an interface with an insulator. The interface is customized to form a strongly curved potential distribution in the space-charge surrounding the ion extractor. The strongly curved potential distribution focuses the extracted ions towards an opening on a surface of the biased electrode thereby resulting in anion beam.

Abstract: The design of a compact, high-efficiency, high-flux capable compact-accelerator fusion neutron generator (FNG) is discussed. FNG's can be used in a variety of industrial analysis applications to replace the use of radioisotopes which pose higher risks to both the end user and national security. High efficiency, long lifetime, and high power-handling capability are achieved though innovative target materials and ion source technology. The device can be scaled up for neutron radiography applications, or down for borehole analysis or other compact applications. Advanced technologies such as custom neutron output energy spectrum, pulsing, and associated particle imaging can be incorporated.

Abstract: A dual neutron-gamma ray source comprises a compact neutron generator, a shield, a collimator, and an internal gamma target. The shield surrounds the compact neutron generator. The collimator traverses the shield from the compact neutron generator to a collimator port. The internal gamma target is positioned within the collimator to generate gamma rays from the neutrons.

Abstract: A neutron tube or generator is based on a RF driven plasma ion source having a quartz or other chamber surrounded by an external RF antenna. A deuterium or mixed deuterium/tritium (or even just a tritium) plasma is generated in the chamber and D or D/T (or T) ions are extracted from the plasma. A neutron generating target is positioned so that the ion beam is incident thereon and loads the target. Incident ions cause D-D or D-T (or T-T) reactions which generate neutrons. Various embodiments differ primarily in size of the chamber and position and shape of the neutron generating target. Some neutron generators are small enough for implantation in the body. The target may be at the end of a catheter-like drift tube. The target may have a tapered or conical surface to increase target surface area.

Abstract: A sealed neutron tube is provided, in which an insulating structure is designed to be solid to enhance the shock-proof performance thereof, an ion beam drawn out from an ion source is pulsated more rapidly, and the lifetime of a target is increased without substantially increasing the filling amount of the Tritium. The sealed neutron tube (1) includes a metal housing (20), an ion source (5) disposed and sealed within the metal housing for ionizing a Deuterium gas, an accelerating electrode (4) charged with a high voltage, disposed and sealed within the metal housing and facing the ion source, and a target (3) disposed within the accelerating electrode and absorbing Tritium and the like therein. An outer wall (20) is constructed by a metal housing, and a ceramic insulating member (11) is disposed within the metal housing. Since the accelerating electrode is held by this insulating member, the outer wall of the sealed neutron tube has enhanced shock-proof performance.

Abstract: A neutron generator tube includes an ion source having at least one anode (6), at least one cathode (7) having at least one extraction port (12), and an accelerator electrode (2) arranged so as to project at least one ion beam from the ion source onto a target (4) to produce thereat a reaction resulting in emission of neutrons. The ion source is arranged on at least a portion of a first surface of revolution (8', 41, 51) and is constructed so as to produce emission of ions radially outwardly from such surface. The accelerator electrode (2) is arranged on at least a portion of a second surface of revolution which surrounds the aforesaid first surface, the target (4) being positioned on at least a portion of a third surface of revolution which surrounds the aforesaid second surface. Increased neutron flux is thereby achieved for a given size generator tube, and for a given neutron flux a significantly reduced ion bombardment density is produced at the target and so achieves extended target life.

Abstract: A sealed neutron tube is set forth, containing a low-pressure gaseous deuterium-tritium mixture wherefrom an ion source (13) forms an ion beam which traverses an acceleration electrode (17) and is projected with high energy onto a target (16) in order to produce therein a fusion reaction which causes an emission of neutrons. In accordance with the invention, the ion source comprises a cold cathode with strictly electrostatic confinement of ionizing electrons; this is achieved by using an anode which is connected to a positive potential and which has a weakly collective surface facing the repulsive surface of the cathode cavity; the anode is arranged along the axis of the cavity in which it is arranged; said cavity constitutes the internal part of the cathode (15) in which the electrons (e.sub.2) which oscillate along very long paths in comparison with the dimensions of the cathode cavity ionize the gas and form an ionized gas wherefrom the ion beam (22) is extracted for standard ion optical device (17).

Abstract: A device is set forth for the extraction and acceleration of ions in a sealed high-flux neutron tube in which an ion beam (3) is extracted from an ion source (1), after which it is accelerated by means of an acceleration electrode (2) so as to be projected onto a target electrode (4) and produce therein a fusion reaction which causes an emission of neutrons. In accordance with the invention, the device also comprises an extraction-pre-acceleration electrode (13) which is arranged between the ion source and the acceleration electrode and which carries a potential such that the beam extracted from the ion source is initially rendered parallel or slightly diverging in order to obtain a laminated ion beam throughout the zone between the ion source and the target electrode.

Abstract: A device is set forth for the extraction and acceleration of ions in a high flux sealed neutron tube containing a low-pressure gaseous deuterium-tritium mixture, where an ion source (12) supplies several ion beams (3a, 3b, . . . 3e) which are projected onto a target electrode (4) by means of an extraction and acceleration system in order to produce therein a fusion reaction which causes an emission of neutrons.

Abstract: The divergence of the magnetic field for confining the ionized gas (9) in a sealed high-flux neutron tube comprising a Penning-type ion source (1) is increased in the direction of the ion emission zone by influencing the magnet assembly (8) of the ion source. The ion beam extracted from the plasma is accelerated (2) and projected onto a target (4). The geometry and the position of the anode (13) inside the ion source are adapted to the topography of the lines of force in order to ensure minimum interception of the ionizing electrons moving in the structure, which adaptation is achieved notably by using a truncated anode whose generatrices take the shape of the lines of force.

Abstract: A sealed neutron tube is set forth which contains a low-pressure gaseous deuterium-tritium mixture wherefrom an ion source forms an ionized gas which is guided by a magnetic electron confinement field produced by magnets (8), which source emits the ion beams (3) which traversed an extraction-acceleration electrode (2) and which are projected onto a target (4) so as to produce therein a fusion reaction which causes an emission of electrons. In accordance with the invention, the ion source is of a multi-cell type formed by n Penning-type cells comprising a multi-hole anode (6) which is arranged inside the cathode cavity (7) in order to increase the ion current. The shape and/or the dimensions and/or the position of the multi-hole anode are adapted to the topology of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A device for improving the service life and the reliability of a sealed high-flux neutron tube, comprising a first part and a second part which are separated by an accelerator electrode (13). The accelerator electrode forms a shield between said parts and which is integral with the external envelope (15) which is connected to ground. The first and second parts of the tube contain the ion source (9), connected to an adjustable positive potential, and the target (28), respectively, which is connected to a negative potential which can be adjusted with respect to the zero value of ground.

Abstract: A neutron generating system comprising a hermetically sealed housing containing an ionizable gas and a ring anode and target cathode of a Penning ion source. The housing is provided with a recess axially oriented relative to the ring anode and target cathode and adapted to accept a removable samarium/cobalt magnet such that degassing and sealing of the housing can be performed in the absence of the permanent magnet. The cathode target is an OHFC copper rod of substantially the same cross-sectional area as the target with one polished end of the rod containing a titanium film within the housing to serve as the target and the other end of the rod extending out of the housing such as to remove thermal energy from the target during operation. An ion screen between the anode ring and cathode target containing an axially positioned gridded aperture provides a broad ion beam of reduced power per unit area.