FIELD EMISSION ION SOURCE NEUTRON GENERATOR

摘要

A well logging tool includes a neutron generator having an ion source cathode comprising a nano-structure field emission (FE) array for producing a charged particle current routed through an ionizable gas, thus generating ions by electron impact ionization of the gas. The nanostructures can be provided by bundles of silicon nanotips grown on a substrate. The FE array can be provided on an axially facing substrate located co-axially in an elongate housing, with the charged particle current directed from the centrally located FE array to a co-axial annular anode and having axial and radial directional components.

主权项

1. A neutron generator comprising:
a housing configured for incorporation in a subsurface logging tool, the housing defining an ion source chamber; a gas source configured to deliver ionizable gas to the ion source chamber; and a field emitter array configured to deliver charged particles to the ion source chamber for interacting with the ionizable gas to produce ions usable for a fusion reaction that results in neutron emission from the neutron generator, the field emitter array comprising multiple nano-emitters.