The Design of a Neutron Generator Using the Inertial Electrostatic Confinement of Deuterium Plasma

Abstract

A neutron generator was designed that uses the inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) of a deuterium-based plasma to generate neutrons by the process of fusion. A two-stage high-vacuum system was designed that uses a rotary-vane pump and turbo-molecular pump. A pressure measurement system was designed that uses a Pirani pressure-gauge and an ionization pressure-gauge. A high-voltage system was designed that uses an off-the-shelf high voltage power supply and a Cockcroft-Walton voltage-multiplier circuit. A neutron detection system was designed that uses a Helium-3 neutron detector. Safety considerations in the operation of the device are discussed. It is expected this device is to be constructed in 2013-2014.