Claims
- 1. A neutron generator, comprising:
a plasma ion source; a curved extraction and acceleration system at one end of the ion source; a curved neutron generating target spaced apart from the ion source so that ions extracted from the ion source impinge on the target.
- 2. The neutron generator of claim 1 wherein the plasma ion source is a multicusp plasma ion source.
- 3. The neutron generator of claim 1 further comprising:
a RF antenna disposed within the ion source.
- 4. The neutron generator of claim 3 further comprising:
a matching network connected to the RF antenna; and a RF power supply connected to the matching network.
- 5. The neutron generator of claim 1 wherein the curved extraction and acceleration system and the curved target are shaped as portions of spheres.
- 6. The neutron generator of claim 5 wherein the extraction and acceleration system comprises:
a plasma electrode; and an extraction electrode spaced apart from the plasma electrode; the plasma and extraction electrodes containing a plurality of aligned holes and the extraction electrode being biased relative to the plasma electrode for extracting a plurality of ion beamlets, and the plasma and extraction electrodes being curved to focus the plurality of extracted ion beamlets.
- 7. The neutron generator of claim 6 wherein the extraction and acceleration system further comprises:
a suppressor electrode spaced apart from the extraction electrode and having a central aperture positioned near the focus of the extracted ion beamlets, the suppressor electrode being biased with respect to the extraction electrode so that the plurality of focused extracted ion beamlets are accelerated and expanded towards the target.
- 8. The neutron generator of claim 7 wherein the ion beamlets are expanded to a relatively large area on the target in a relatively short distance between the suppressor electrode and the target.
- 9. The neutron generator of claim 1 wherein the plasma ion source is a deuterium ion source or a deuterium and tritium ion source.
- 10. The neutron generator of claim 1 wherein the target has a titanium surface.
- 11. The neutron generator of claim 1 wherein the target is water cooled.
- 12. The neutron generator of claim 1 further comprising a curved magnetic filter positioned inside the ion source in front of the plasma electrode.
- 13. The neutron generator of claim 1 further comprising a sealed tube connected to the extraction end of the ion source and enclosing the suppressor electrode and target.
- 14. The neutron generator of claim 13 wherein the length of the neutron generator is about 30 cm.
- 15. The neutron generator of claim 1 wherein the curved extraction and acceleration system and the curved target are shaped as portions of cylinders.
- 16. The neutron generator of claim 15 wherein the extraction and acceleration system comprises:
a plasma electrode; and an extraction electrode spaced apart from the plasma electrode; the plasma and extraction electrodes containing a plurality of aligned slots and the extraction electrode being biased relative to the plasma electrode for extracting a plurality of ion beamlets, and the plasma and extraction electrodes being curved to focus the plurality of extracted ion beamlets.
- 17. The neutron generator of claim 16 wherein the extraction and acceleration system further comprises:
a suppressor electrode spaced apart from the extraction electrode and having a central slot positioned near the focus of the extracted ion beamlets, the suppressor electrode being biased with respect to the extraction electrode so that the plurality of focused extracted ion beamlets are accelerated and expanded towards the target.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/276,668 filed Mar. 16, 2001.
GOVERNMENT RIGHTS
[0002] The United States Government has rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. DE-AC03-76SF00098 between the United States Department of Energy and the University of California.
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
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60276668 |
Mar 2001 |
US |