Floating intermediate electrode configuration for downhole nuclear radiation generator

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices with improved electrode configuration for downhole nuclear radiation generators are provided. For example, one embodiment of a nuclear radiation generator capable of downhole operation may include a charged particle source, a target material, and an acceleration column between the charged particle source and the target material. The acceleration column may include an intermediate electrode that remains floating at a variable potential, being electrically isolated from the rest of the acceleration column.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to downhole radiation generation for nuclear logging and, more particularly, to electrode configurations for downhole nuclear radiation generator tubes. Background technique [0002] A downhole generator tube can include three main components: an ion source, an accelerating column, and a target. An ion beam from the ion source may travel through the accelerating column toward the target, guided by the potential difference between electrodes near the ion source and electrodes near the target. Neutrons and / or gamma rays are produced when the accelerated ions strike the target. However, as the ion beam advances through the accelerating column, some ions hit the electrodes instead of the target. This occurs in part because the accelerating column of the downhole neutron generator tube can hold a pressurized gas rather than a vacuum, and ions from the ion beam can hit the pressurized gas particles in the accelerati...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Since the ion beam from the ion source to the target may be center-weighted, the ion beam will be unevenly distributed across the beam spot when it hits the target

This uneven distribution creates uneven wear at the target end, which can lead to a decrease in neutron output from the neutron generator as portions of the target wear prematurely

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