High-Yield Pulsed Neutron Generator A pulsed neutron generator
is proposed for the detection of special nuclear material. A
recently developed RF-excited plasma neutron generator will be
pulsed to produce the activating neutrons whose pulse length is
100 microseconds with a fall time of less than 1 microsecond.
High pulse repetition rates and high peak neutron yields can be
otained depending upon the RF generator used. Using the T-T
nuclear reaction, a novel emission geometry and an ideal
acceleration voltage, the expected neutron energy will be less
than 8.5 MeV to prevent the emission of interfering gamma-ray
lines from other materials. In Phase I an existing neutron
generator will be pulsed to produce the desired neutron-pulse
time structure and a high peak yield. The present deuterium
generator will be redesigned to support the safe use of tritium.
The proposed system will be designed to be low cost, and
mechanically and electronically robust, to ensure its wide
distribution and use at ports throughout th