Development of a high-intensity compact D-D neutron generator based on RF ion sources

Abstract

The present paper presents a compact D-D neutron generator designed for imaging applications, capable of producing a neutron yield exceeding 10⁹n/s. Here, a RF ion source ignited by an external antenna is envisaged, and the discharge chamber's design involves a double-layer glass cylinder for active cooling of the discharge chamber. At the same time, by improving the chamber's size and strategically positioning the magnetic field outside -multi-cusp and top magnetic field, the efficiency of the ion source is enhanced, including increased the extract beam current and extended ion source life, thus fostering increased neutron production and prolonged service duration. The experimental results show that under the condition of RF power 400 W and high voltage negative 95 kV, the beam current is extracted by 9.5 mA, and the stable operation of 24 h is realized, which the neutron yield reaches 1.1 × 10⁹ n/s with effective operation time surpassing 95 %.