A device that could fit in your lab-coat pocket uses nuclear fusion, and just a little heat, to produce neutrons. The advantages in simplicity and portability over conventional neutron generators could be considerable. On page 1115 of this issue, Naranjo, Gimzewski and Putterman1 report the successful demonstration of an intriguingly simple neutron generator that produces neutrons possessing an energy of 2.5 mega-electronvolts (MeV) from reactions involving the fusion of two nuclei of deuterium. This device, it must be stressed, will not generate net energy, and is not related to past controversies about 'cold fusion'.
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