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 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: 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 radiography system having a high energy neutron generator (100) of the type comprising an ion accelerator (106) and a tritium target (110) located downstream of the accelerator. The generator is disclosed in a housing (22) containing a moderator medium (140) adapted to absorb part of the energy of the neutrons, thereby creating thermal neutrons. A neutron flux booster (130) comprised of a high neutron cross section material, such as depleted uranium, is disposed between the target and the moderator medium such that collisions of high energy neutrons produced at the target will collide with the uranium to release additional high energy neutrons from the booster into the moderator medium. A collimator (40) is disposed in communication with the moderator material for discharging thermal neutrons from the moderator medium.

Abstract: A neutron generator comprising a target (16) which is struck by a hydrogen isotope ion beam and which is formed by a structure comprising a thin absorbing active layer (19) deposited on a carrier layer (18). In accordance with the invention, on the two above layers there is deposited a stack of active layers (21, 23, 25, 27) which are identical to the layer (19) and which are separated from one another by diffusion barriers (20, 22, 24, 26, respectively). The thickness of each of said active layers is in the order of the penetration depth of the deuterium ions striking the target.

Abstract: A lightweight, low energy neutron radiography inspection device (20) includes an inspection head (22) with a sealed tube neutron generator (44) using a deuterium target (110) for emitting relatively low energy neutrons. A moderating fluid (140) within the head is used to thermalize the neutrons emitted from the neutron source. A collimator (40) directs the thermalized neutrons to produce a thermal neutron radiograph. The relatively low energy neutrons produced by the neutron generator permit the reduction in volume of moderating fluid required and thus the use of a smaller, more maneuverable, inspection head.

Abstract: A magnetically insulated diode employs a permanent magnet to generate a magnetic insulating field between a spaced anode and cathode in a vacuum. An ion source is provided in the vicinity of the anode and used to liberate ions for acceleration toward the cathode. The ions are virtually unaffected by the magnetic field and are accelerated into a target for generating an nuclear reaction. The ions and target material may be selected to generate either neutrons or gamma ray emissions from the reaction of the accelerated ions and the target. In another aspect of the invention, a field coil is employed as part of one of the electrodes. A plasma prefill is provided between the electrodes prior to the application of a pulsating potential to one of the electrodes. The field coil multiplies the applied voltage for high diode voltage applications. The diode may be used to generate a .sup.7 Li(p,.gamma.).sup.8 Be reaction to produce 16.5 MeV gamma emission.