Next Generation Pulsed Portable Neutron Generators for Nondestructive Assay

摘要

New compact fast-pulsed microwave drives can provide approximately 1-μs pulse fall off for high-intensity neutron generators, enabling neutron inspection techniques for nonproliferation. As the cost, size, weight and power needs of neutron generators are being reduced, the advent of fast pulsing technology can provide greater acuity for these portable systems. With a combination of intense output and pulsing, applications from imaging to differential die away are possible with a single source, providing for the rapid analysis of suspect devices and potential fissionable materials at remote locations. Already, electron-cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma technology provides human portable generators capable of 10~8 n/s output using the deutenum-deuterium reaction, with a corresponding deuterium-tritium output over 10~(10) n/s. However, to make these systems most effective for nonproliferation inspections, fast pulsing is required.