Ultra-Portable API Neutron Source

The proliferation of nuclear weapons presents unparalleled danger. Critical to preventing the spread of such weapons of mass destruction is the detection and characterization of both the production and movement of special nuclear materials. Neutron interrogation techniques, including Associated Particle Imaging API, are valuable tools in this effort, but the limited capability of portable neutron systems tightly constrains their application. Advancements in the versatility, performance and portability of neutron generators, and API generators in particular, are needed. Adelphi is leveraging recent advances in several technologies to make a high yield, battery operated Associated Particle Imaging neutron generator. This ultraportable generatordesign will integrate variousnew components, a key enabling technology being a miniature Electron Cyclotron Resonance ECRion source recently developed at Adelphi. The design will take advantage of recent advances in semiconductor solid state microwave source technology to drive the ion source and miniature capacitor banks that enable very small footprint high voltage power supplies. This will be combined with Adelphi’s knowhow of building DT generators and loading with a deuteriumtritium mixture that has been developed over the last decade. The proofofprinciple miniature ECR ion source that is built into a 2.75 inch conflat flange, was demonstrated. A miniature 150kV power supply was built. A control system was built to operate prototype the neutron generator, and is powered from a rechargeable battery pack. The components tested in Phase I will be further miniaturized and integrated into a small, hand portable, API neutron generator. A collection of prototypes are planned, each with successive levels of integration, culminating in a DT DeuteriumTritium neutron generator measuring 18x3x5 cubic inches, weighing less than 20 lbs, requiring 50Watts of power and producing a yield of 10^9 neutrons/second from a spot that is less than 2mm in diameter. API systems allow 3D compositional analysis of a scene. For security, this can be used for screening luggage and baggage, or potentially vehicles or cargo containers. Neutron interrogation has the potential to detect and image nuclear materials including uranium and plutonium, even when it is shielded by neutron and gamma absorbing or scattering materials. This API system could be used for mining, and nondestructive testing of structures, such as buildings and bridges. The 3D volumetric composition may be determined and any voids, or corrosion identified.