Magnetic insulation system for a laser-plasma ion diode of a portable neutron generator

Abstract

A new promising type of portable pulsed neutron generator is based on a laser-plasma ion diode with magnetic insulation. At the present stage of its evolution, such a generator requires the development of a magnetic insulation system capable of blocking secondary electrons in a laser-plasma diode. The article considers the development of such a magnetic insulation system, during which the effect of the magnetic field distribution on the shape of the ion current pulse through the diode was estimated using the KARAT electromagnetic code to significantly enhance the theoretical validity of the magnetic system design. The final design of the magnetic system should provide the complete insulation of secondary electrons, as well as significantly increase the fraction of ions deposited on the neutron target, as well as the electrical strength of the accelerating gap. Following was fabrication of the developed magnetic system, measurements of the magnetic field distribution within the accelerating gap showed the sufficient accuracy of its implementation. The average difference with the model is ~3%.