Radiation source utilizing a unique accelerator and apparatus for the use thereof
First Claim
1. A neutron generator comprising:
- an ion source;
a target adapted to generate neutrons when bombarded by high energy ions;
an accelerator tube between said source and said target; and
a multistage cascade rectifier, said rectifier being paraxial with and surrounding said accelerator tube and having a voltage gradient which substantially matches that of the accelerator tube.
3 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A high energy, charged particle accelerator, and radiation sources utilizing such accelerator are provided. More particularly, a high yield neutron generator and apparatus for the use of such generator are provided. The generator utilizes an ion source, a target adapted to generate neutrons when bombarded by high energy ions and an accelerator tube between the source and target. A multistage cascade rectifier is paraxial with the accelerator tube and has a voltage gradient which substantially matches that of the accelerator tube. The cascade rectifier preferably surrounds the accelerator tube and has equipotential metal plates on each side of each stage, the potential gradients between each pair of plates being substantially uniform and being substantially equal to the voltage gradient in the adjacent section of the accelerator tube. Generator elements may be enclosed in a pressure vessel and a moderator may be provided in the vessel, near the target to thermalize neutrons emitted from the target. The neutron generator may be utilized for explosives detection, such as part of a mine detector or to detect explosives in luggage or other items being inspected as part of a security system. The neutron generator may also be utilized for drug detection and for nondestructive testing of objects formed of metals or other dense materials.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A neutron generator comprising:
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an ion source; a target adapted to generate neutrons when bombarded by high energy ions; an accelerator tube between said source and said target; and a multistage cascade rectifier, said rectifier being paraxial with and surrounding said accelerator tube and having a voltage gradient which substantially matches that of the accelerator tube. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A thermal neutron generator comprising:
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an ion source; a target adapted to generate fast neutrons when bombarded by high energy ions; means for accelerating ions from said source to said target, causing high energy ions to bombard the target and fast neutrons to be emitted; a pressure vessel containing said target and accelerating means; and moderator means for thermalizing said fast neutrons, said moderator means being mounted in said pressure vessel close to said target. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification