SBIR Phase I: Distributed Neutron Generator

*9660132贝莱斯这个小型企业创新研究第一阶段项目满足了用于无损评估和现场测试的长寿命中子发生器的迫切需求。一种新型的固靶密封中子发生器--分布式中子发生器(DNG)是本文研究的重点。它将满足高中子输出(在14 MeV时高达103n/S)、低功耗(1kW)、小体积、低成本和长寿命(3000小时)的要求，并可以直流或脉冲操作。现有的中子发生器没有一台能提供这种理想特性的组合。该项目(第一阶段和第二阶段)的总体目标是证明DNG概念的可行性。第一阶段的目标是：(1)建造一个在125千伏下运行的原理验证发生器；(2)从实验上证明可以产生均匀的高能离子束；(3)开发第二阶段实验室原型DNG系统的概念设计。一家对DNG技术未来商业化感兴趣的大公司将参与第一阶段，如果成功，该项目将开发一种具有非常先进能力的新型中子发生器。与潜在用户的讨论表明，这种发电机的市场将是巨大的。它的应用包括：(1)矿石分析；(2)机场行李检查；(3)探测地雷、爆炸物、化学战剂和少量核材料；(4)工业过程控制；(5)条约核查工具。***

*** 9660132 Bayless This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the critical need for long-life neutron generators for use in nondestructive evaluation and in situ testing. A new type of solid-target, sealed neutron generator, the Distributed Neutron Generator (DNG), is the focus of this research. It will be designed to meet requirements for high neutron output (up to 103 n/s at 14 MeV), low power consumption (1 kW), small size, low cost, and long lifetime (3,000 hours), and can be operated dc or pulsed. No existing neutron generator offers this combination of desirable characteristics. The overall objective of the project (Phases I and II) is to demonstrate the feasibility of the DNG concept. The objectives of Phase I are to: (1) construct a proof-of-principle generator for operation at 125 kV; (2) to experimentally demonstrate that a uniform, high energy ion beam can be generated; and (3) to develop the conceptual design for a Phase II laboratory prototype DNG system. A large company, which is interested in future commercialization of DNG technology, will participate in Phase I. If successful, the project will develop a new type of neutron generator with highly advanced capabilities. Discussions with potential users indicate that the market for this generator will be large. Its applications include: (1) ore analysis; (2) airport luggage inspection; (3) detection of landmines, explosives, chemical warfare agents and small quantities of nuclear material; (4) industrial process control; and (5) instruments for treaty verification. ***