| 摘要 |
<p>The present invention provides methods and apparatus for producing a flux 16 of neutrons suitable for use in security related applications. Protons H+ from a proton source 12 are accelerated into a proton beam 22 within a compact (preferably having a footprint of less than 2m2) DC electrostatic accelerator 10, neutrons being released when the proton beam 22 impacts a lithium Li-7 target 14 located at the centre of the accelerator 10. Alternatively, a source of deuterium ions D+ and a beryllium Be-9 target may be used. The present invention may instead use a tandem DC electrostatic compact accelerator (30, Fig 4), in which case the source of protons comprises: a source (32) of H- ions (36); and an ion stripper arrangement (34) to convert the H- ions into a proton beam (38). The proton beam (38) is then accelerated out of the accelerator to impact an external neutron generating target (40).</p> |
