SBIR Phase I: Nanosecond-Pulse Neutron Generator

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will determine the feasibility of the Nanosecond-pulse Neutron Generator (NNG) concept for use in Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) instruments. The novel NNG, which will represent a breakthrough in compact neutron generator technology, will overcome major limitations in the use of neutron techniques for NDE by enabling three-dimensional imaging and greatly improved sensitivity. The goals of the phase I project are to design and construct a proof-of-principle experiment for the NNG concept, conduct experiments to determine the feasibility of the concept, and to develop designs and economic analyses for the NNG and for an NNG-based NDE system designed for luggage inspection (an example of an important NDE application). The device will have a wide range of applications including the detection of explosives and chemical agents for homeland security, the analysis of process streams in mining and manufacturing, and humanitarian de-mining efforts. As the basis for new types of analytical instruments with state of the art performance, the NNG will enable new discoveries in neutron science and it applications.