How Do Neutron Generators Work?

Neutron generators use a compact linear particle accelerator to fuse isotopes of hydrogen together. Phoenix’s current generation of neutron generators primarily use a beam of deuterium ions to drive neutron production. Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen with one extra neutron in its nucleus (a hydrogen atom typically consists of only a proton and an electron). By stripping away the single electron of a deuterium atom, you end up with a positively-charged atom consisting solely of a neutron and a proton. The positively-charged ions are consolidated into a high current beam and fired at a target at up to 300kV.

The target inside a neutron generator can be a solid or a gas, and it can contain either more deuterium or another hydrogen isotope called tritium. Neutron generators with a deuterium target are known as DD neutron generators (deuterium-deuterium) because the ensuing fusion reaction caused when the ion beam hits the target is between two deuterium atoms. Neutron generators with a tritium target are likewise called DT generators (deuterium-tritium).

When the ion beam hits the target, atoms of deuterium or tritium within the target fuse with the deuterium ions to create heavier isotopes of hydrogen and release extra neutrons. These extra neutrons are emitted from the neutron generator to be used for a wide range of industrial applications.

One key benefit neutron generators offer over other neutron sources, especially nuclear reactors, is that by relying on light elements such as hydrogen isotopes, they produce very little nuclear waste. While DT neutron generators have increased regulatory burdens over DD neutron generators due to the presence of tritium, both variants of neutron source require much less oversight than fission reactors. Unlike reactors, which are very tightly regulated to prevent radioactive material from harming people or the surrounding environment, neutron generators are much cleaner and much easier to safely maintain.

DD and DT neutron generators, unlike reactor sources and neutron emitters, can be turned off quickly and easily when the need arises. On the other hand, nuclear reactor shutdown procedures are complex and slow, and neutron emitters like 252Cf cannot be shut off at all.