Intense pulsed neutron generation based on the principle of Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation (PI3) technique

Abstract

The development of a deuterium-deuterium/ tritium-deuterium (D-D/ D-T) pulsed neutron generator based on the principle of the Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation (PI3) technique is presented, in terms of investigating development of a compact system to generate an ultra short burst of mono-energetic neutrons (of order 1010 per second) during a short period of time (< 20μs) at repetition rates up to 1 kHz. The system will facilitate neutron detection techniques, such as neutron back-scattering, neutron radiography and time-of-flight activation analysis. Aspects addressed in developing the system includes (a) characterizing the neutron spectra generated as a function of the target configuration/ design to ensure a sustained intense neutron flux for long periods of time, (b) the system was also characterised as a function of power supply operating conditions such as voltage, current, gas pressure and plasma density.