Method for realizing compact pulse neutron source

Abstract

The invention discloses a method for realizing a compact pulse neutron source. According to the method, a vacuum upper cover plate of an ion source component is located at a suspension potential, and a 2KV pulse voltage is applied to the vacuum upper cover plate. According to the pulse type compact deuterium-deuterium neutron generator device, the ion source part is subjected to high-voltage suspension isolation, the pulse voltage is applied to the ion source part, and the extraction and turn-off of the ion beam are directly controlled, so that pulse type neutron output is realized, the structure is simple and compact, and the manufacturing cost is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of accelerator neutron source technology, and more particularly to a method for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source. Background Technology

[0002] The pulsed compact deuterium-deuterium neutron generator is a miniaturized accelerator neutron source based on the deuterium-deuterium (DD) fusion reaction, capable of producing monoenergetic neutrons with energies of 2.45 MeV in pulsed mode. Its core principle is: ionizing deuterium gas into deuterium plasma (DD) using an ion source. + After being accelerated by a high-voltage electric field, the material bombards a deuterium-containing target, triggering a D(d,n)³He fusion reaction.

[0003] Pulsed compact deuterium-deuterium neutron generators, with their safety, controllability, portability, monoenergetic nature, and pulsed output, have become an important alternative and supplement to traditional neutron sources, powerfully promoting the application of neutron technology in industry, scientific research, and public safety. However, existing devices still face problems such as high manufacturing costs and the risk of high-voltage breakdown due to excessively high pulse voltage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a method for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A method for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source, the method comprising placing the vacuum top cover of an ion source component at a floating potential and applying a 2 kV pulsed voltage to the vacuum top cover.

[0007] The apparatus for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source comprises an ion source component, a vacuum chamber, and an extraction and acceleration component.

[0008] The ion source component is used to generate an ion beam, the vacuum chamber is used to create a vacuum environment for the ion beam, and the extraction and acceleration component extracts and accelerates the ion beam and confines the ion beam at the target end to cause a deuterium-deuterium fusion reaction to produce neutrons; the ion source component is located above the vacuum chamber, and the neutron generating part of the extraction and acceleration component is located inside the vacuum chamber component.

[0009] The ion source component is fixed to the vacuum cover plate of the vacuum chamber, wherein the vacuum cover plate is at a floating potential; a transition flange, an isolation flange and a vacuum chamber are sequentially arranged below the vacuum cover plate, and the transition flange, isolation flange and vacuum chamber are sequentially fixedly connected to keep the vacuum cover plate at a floating potential.

[0010] The transition flange, the isolation flange, and the upper flange of the cavity are all provided with flange through holes at their center positions. The transition flange, the isolation flange, and the vacuum chamber are fixed in sequence by bolts. The ion source component includes an ion source chamber, an ion source upper cover plate, and a coil. The coil is wound around the outside of the ion source chamber. The ion source upper cover plate is installed at the upper end of the ion source chamber. The lower end of the ion source chamber is fixed to the vacuum upper cover plate of the vacuum chamber component by a support column.

[0011] The ion source cover plate is grounded to maintain zero potential, and the ion source cover plate is provided with an air inlet, on which an air inlet pipe is installed.

[0012] The end of the air intake pipe is equipped with a vacuum ceramic insulating connector.

[0013] Both the ion source cover plate and the vacuum cover plate are provided with sealing grooves, which are concentrically fitted with the ion source chamber.

[0014] The support column is threadedly fixed to the ion source cover plate and the vacuum cover plate; the support column is made of insulating material to ensure that the vacuum cover plate is at a floating potential.

[0015] The ion source chamber is a cylinder open at both ends, and the coil is spiral-shaped. The ion source chamber is made of insulating non-metallic material.

[0016] A pulsed voltage is applied to the vacuum cover plate, and the extraction of the ion source is controlled by the pulsed power supply.

[0017] The neutron generating part of the extraction acceleration component includes an extraction electrode and a target. The target is mounted on a target base, and the extraction electrode and the target base are mounted on a base. The extraction acceleration component accelerates and confines the ion beam by means of the negative high voltage potential on the extraction electrode and the target, and then bombards the target to produce a deuterium-deuterium fusion reaction, generating neutrons.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0019] (1) The method of realizing a compact pulsed neutron source of the present invention is to suspend and isolate the ion source component under high voltage, and to directly control the extraction and shutdown of the ion beam by applying a pulse voltage to it, thereby realizing pulsed neutron output. The structure is simple and compact and the manufacturing cost is low.

[0020] (2) The present invention adds a pulsed 2kV positive high voltage between the extraction acceleration component at a negative high voltage potential and the ion source at zero potential. The ion beam is extracted and turned off by the pulse voltage to realize a pulsed neutron source, avoiding the risk of high voltage breakdown caused by excessive pulse voltage, and reducing the load of the pulse power supply. The device is low in cost and high in safety. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the apparatus for realizing the method of a compact pulsed neutron source according to the present invention.

[0022] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1-Inlet pipe; 2-Ion source cover plate; 3-Ion source chamber; 4-Coil; 5-Support column; 6-Vacuum cover plate; 7-Target; 8-Extraction electrode; 9-Vacuum chamber; 10-Isolation flange; 11-Transition flange; 12-Plasma. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0024] See Figure 1 This invention provides a method for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source, comprising an ion source component, a vacuum chamber 9, and an extraction and acceleration component. The ion source component generates an ion beam, the vacuum chamber 9 creates a vacuum environment for the ion beam, and the extraction and acceleration component accelerates and confines the ion beam to induce a deuterium-deuterium fusion reaction, producing neutrons. Specifically, the ion source component is connected to a matching coil and a radio frequency system, and generates an ion beam by controlling the radio frequency power to ionize the fed gas. The vacuum chamber 9, in conjunction with a matching vacuum system, creates a vacuum environment for the ion beam. The extraction and acceleration component accelerates and confines the ion beam using a high voltage on an extraction electrode 8, then bombards a target 7 to induce a deuterium-deuterium fusion reaction, producing neutrons.

[0025] In this embodiment, the ion source component is located above the vacuum chamber 9, and the neutron generating part of the extraction acceleration component is located inside the vacuum chamber 9.

[0026] In this embodiment, the ion source component is fixed on the vacuum cover plate 6 of the vacuum chamber 9, wherein the vacuum cover plate 6 is at a floating potential; a transition flange 11, an isolation flange 10 and the vacuum chamber 9 are sequentially arranged below the vacuum cover plate 6, and the transition flange 11, the isolation flange 10 and the vacuum chamber 9 are sequentially fixedly connected to keep the vacuum cover plate 6 at a floating potential.

[0027] Specifically, the transition flange 11, the isolation flange 10, and the vacuum chamber 9 are all provided with flange through holes at their center positions. The isolation flange 10, the transition flange 11, the isolation flange 10, and the vacuum chamber 9 are sequentially fixed by bolts to ensure that the vacuum cover plate 6 is at a floating potential.

[0028] Preferably, the transition flange 11 is made of stainless steel, and the isolation flange 10 is made of polyethylene with good insulation properties.

[0029] See Figure 1 The ion source component includes an ion source chamber 3, an ion source top cover plate 2, and a coil 4. The coil 4 is wound around the outside of the ion source chamber 3. The ion source top cover plate 2 is installed at the upper end of the ion source chamber 3. The lower end of the ion source chamber 3 is fixed to the vacuum top cover plate 6 of the vacuum chamber 9 by a support column 5. The ion source top cover plate 2 is grounded and maintains zero potential.

[0030] In this embodiment, the ion source chamber 3 is a cylinder with openings at both ends. The two ends of the ion source chamber 3 are fixed to the ion source upper cover plate 2 and the vacuum upper cover plate 6, respectively. Specifically, sealing grooves concentrically fitted to the corresponding openings of the ion source chamber 3 are machined on both the ion source upper cover plate 2 and the vacuum upper cover plate 6. The two openings of the ion source chamber 3 are respectively installed in the sealing grooves of the ion source upper cover plate 2 and the vacuum upper cover plate 6. During installation, sealing rings are also installed in the sealing grooves.

[0031] Meanwhile, the ion source chamber 3 is also fixed between the ion source upper cover plate 2 and the vacuum upper cover plate 6 by a support column 5. Specifically, the ion source upper cover plate 2 has circumferentially distributed threaded through holes to facilitate the passage of the support column 5, and the other end of the support column 5 is threadedly fixed to the vacuum upper cover plate 6. The pressure provided by the threaded engagement between the ion source upper cover plate 2 and the support column 5 fixes the ion source chamber 3 in place, and the sealing ring between the ion source upper cover plate 2, the vacuum upper cover plate 6 and the ion source chamber 3 deforms under pressure to form a vacuum seal.

[0032] Furthermore, the support column 5 is a cylindrical rod with threads at both ends. One end is fixed to the vacuum cover plate 6 by the threads, and the other end passes through the ion source cover plate 2 and is tightened with a nut. The support column 5 has a flat surface machined along the tangent of the cylinder in the middle for easy tightening.

[0033] A multi-turn coil 4 is wound around the outside of the ion source chamber 3. After the coil 4 is connected to the radio frequency system, it excites the gas inside the ion source chamber 3 to generate plasma 12. The coil 4 is generally helical in shape; the diameter, number of turns, and spacing of the coil 4 can affect the electron density of the excited plasma and need to be adjusted according to the required ion beam performance. Preferably, the coil 4 should be made of a material with excellent thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity, such as copper.

[0034] In this embodiment, an air inlet is provided on the ion source cover plate 2, and an air inlet pipe 1 is installed in the air inlet. The gas inside the ion source chamber 3 is supplied through the air inlet pipe 1 of the ion source cover plate 2 via the gas supply system. A vacuum ceramic insulating connector is installed on the air inlet pipe 1 via a vacuum sleeve 2 and is connected to the gas supply system. Furthermore, the vacuum ceramic insulating connector is made of ceramic insulating material to isolate the ion source potential and ensure that the ion source component is at a floating potential. This invention uses a vacuum ceramic insulating connector and an isolation flange 10 to achieve high-voltage floating isolation of the head ion source.

[0035] In this embodiment, the ion source chamber 3 is made of non-metallic materials, such as quartz glass or boron nitride. Preferably, the ion source cover plate 2 is made of stainless steel and has a flange shape.

[0036] Preferably, the ion source cover plate 2 has a cooling channel inside to cool the sealing ring of the ion source cover plate 2 and prevent problems such as ablation and gas release.

[0037] Furthermore, a sealing groove is provided around the flange through hole of the transition flange 11, which is concentrically fitted with the vacuum top cover plate 6, to achieve a sealed connection between the vacuum top cover plate 6 and the transition flange 11.

[0038] See Figure 1 In this embodiment, the vacuum chamber 9 is used to create a vacuum environment for the ion beam, and the lead-out electrode 8 accelerates the ion beam and confines the ion beam to cause a deuterium-deuterium fusion reaction in the target 7 to produce neutrons.

[0039] In this embodiment, a pulsed voltage is applied to the vacuum cover plate 6, and the extraction and shutdown of the ion source are controlled by the pulsed power supply. Preferably, the pulsed voltage is 2 kV.

[0040] Preferably, the vacuum cover plate 6 is made of a metal material with good electrical and thermal conductivity, and is in the shape of a flange.

[0041] Furthermore, a coolant channel is provided inside the vacuum cover plate 6 to avoid problems such as electrode thermal deformation, gas release, and ablation and gas release of the vacuum sealing ring near the electrode, thereby improving the stable operation time of the discharge device.

[0042] See Figure 1 In this embodiment, the neutron generating part of the extraction acceleration component includes an extraction electrode 8 and a target 7. The target 7 is fixedly mounted on the target base by bolts, and the extraction electrode 8 and the target base (not shown in the figure) are mounted on the base by bolts.

[0043] The core of this invention's method for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source lies in adding a pulsed 2kV positive high voltage between the extraction and acceleration component, which is at a negative high voltage potential, and the ion source, which is at zero potential. This pulsed voltage is used to extract and shut off the ion beam, thereby achieving pulsed neutron output. This invention features a simple and compact structure and low manufacturing cost, providing a novel pulsed neutron source solution for related fields.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] The parts of this invention not described in detail are well-known in the art. The above embodiments are provided merely for the purpose of describing the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. All equivalent substitutions and modifications made without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention should be covered within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source, characterized in that, The method involves placing the vacuum cover plate of the ion source component at a floating potential and applying a 2KV pulse voltage to the vacuum cover plate.

2. The method for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The apparatus for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source comprises an ion source component, a vacuum chamber, and an extraction and acceleration component; The ion source component is used to generate an ion beam, the vacuum chamber is used to create a vacuum environment for the ion beam, and the extraction and acceleration component extracts and accelerates the ion beam and confines the ion beam at the target end to cause a deuterium-deuterium fusion reaction to produce neutrons; the ion source component is located above the vacuum chamber, and the neutron generating part of the extraction and acceleration component is located inside the vacuum chamber component. The ion source component is fixed to the vacuum cover plate of the vacuum chamber, wherein the vacuum cover plate is at a floating potential; a transition flange, an isolation flange and a vacuum chamber are sequentially arranged below the vacuum cover plate, and the transition flange, isolation flange and vacuum chamber are sequentially fixedly connected to keep the vacuum cover plate at a floating potential.

3. The method for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transition flange, the isolation flange, and the upper flange of the cavity are all provided with flange through holes at their center positions. The transition flange, the isolation flange, and the vacuum chamber are fixed in sequence by bolts. The ion source component includes an ion source chamber, an ion source upper cover plate, and a coil. The coil is wound around the outside of the ion source chamber. The ion source upper cover plate is installed at the upper end of the ion source chamber. The lower end of the ion source chamber is fixed to the vacuum upper cover plate of the vacuum chamber component by a support column.

4. The method for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ion source cover plate is grounded to maintain zero potential, and the ion source cover plate is provided with an air inlet, on which an air inlet pipe is installed.

5. The method for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source according to claim 4, characterized in that, The end of the air intake pipe is equipped with a vacuum ceramic insulated connector.

6. The method for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both the ion source cover plate and the vacuum cover plate are provided with sealing grooves, which are concentrically fitted with the ion source chamber.

7. The method for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support column is threadedly fixed to the ion source cover plate and the vacuum cover plate; the support column is made of insulating material to ensure that the vacuum cover plate is at a floating potential.

8. The method for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ion source chamber is a cylinder open at both ends, and the coil is spiral in shape. The ion source chamber is made of insulating non-metallic material.

9. The method for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source according to claim 2, characterized in that, A pulsed voltage is applied to the vacuum cover plate, and the extraction of the ion source is controlled by the pulsed power supply.

10. The method for realizing a compact pulsed neutron source according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that, The neutron generating part of the extraction acceleration component includes an extraction electrode and a target. The target is mounted on a target base, and the extraction electrode and the target base are mounted on a base. The extraction acceleration component accelerates and confines the ion beam by means of the negative high voltage potential on the extraction electrode and the target, and then bombards the target to produce a deuterium-deuterium fusion reaction, which produces neutrons.

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