A Portable Neutron/Tunable X-Ray Source Based on Inertial Electrostatic Confinement

Abstract. Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) offers a unique ion-beam-plasma-target configuration for production of neutrons via D-D or D-T fusion reactions. Research at the U. of IL has developed a unique "STAR " mode of operation where a basketball-shaped grid in the spherical (r- 15 cm) vacuum vessel creates intense ion beams focused at the center of the vessel, forming a dense fusing plasma core (target). Key advantages of this unique design are that grid sputtering is greatly reduced and good beam focusing is achieved. Commercial versions of this concept have been developed that offer 10 2.45-MeV D-D neutrons/sec (or 109/sec D-T). Such units are typically used to replace Cf-252 sources for industrial NAA. Next generation devices with rates above 109/sec D-D are currently under development. The IEC also provides a small tunable x-ray source (5-100 keV) for research applications by reversing the grid potential and also installing electron emitters. The changeover requires several hours down time, or, if needed, a separate dedicated IEC x-ray unit could be constructed