Abstract
Califomium-252 (Cf-252) has been widely used as a laboratory neutron source for a broad range of research experiments and for neutron activation analysis. However, in some cases, problems with licensing, storage of the radioactive material, and shielding complicate its use. The inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) device provides an alternative neutron source, which may be advantageous for such situations. In the IEC, deuteron ions are accelerated, producing fusion reactions as they react with a deuterium plasma target. Present devices offer 106 — 107 2.5-MeV D-D n/s during steady-state operation. Consequently, the IEC neutron source is currently competitive, in terms of neutron strength, with Cf-252 sources and offers a number of advantages, including an onoff capability, longer lifetime without deterioration in strength, and minimum radioactivity involvement. The IEC also offers the ability to convert to higher energy (14-MeV) neutrons by substituting D-T fill gas for pure deuterium fill gas. Due to the higher reaction cross-section, the source strength for the same size unit is increased to 108-109 D-T n/s. For these reasons, the DEC provides an excellent laboratory neutron source for a variety of research projects.
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Miley, G.H. (1997). The IEC as a Complementary Neutron Source to Cf-252. In: Wierzbicki, J.G. (eds) Californium-252 Isotope for 21st Century Radiotherapy. NATO ASI Series, vol 29. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-5766-7_25
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-5766-7_25
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