Non-radioisotope Neutron Device Vacuum Ionization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-radioisotope-based neutron devices face challenges in effectively and efficiently meeting the needs for various applications, particularly in harsh environments such as high temperatures, high pressures, and restricted geometries, due to limitations in neutron production and detection capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A neutron device comprising a neutron emitter with a target, an electron source, and a vacuum space containing ionization gas, where electrons emitted from the source interact with the gas to produce reaction ions that contact the target, generating neutrons, and a detector measures the emissions, optimized with features like permanent magnets and a cooling system for enhanced efficiency and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing non-radioisotope neutron devices are used, then neutron production capability is achieved, but reliability in harsh environments (high temperatures, high pressures, liquid environments) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability in harsh environmentsVSAvoidadaptability to harsh environments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional modules: electron source, target assembly, and detector, each optimized for specific harsh environment conditions. The electron source and target are separated by a vacuum chamber, allowing independent optimization of each component for temperature and pressure resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A vacuum chamber is introduced between the electron source and target to create an inert environment that protects sensitive components from liquid environments and corrosive conditions. The vacuum space isolates the electron emission and neutron production processes from external harsh conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Weight of moving object

If compact non-radioisotope neutron devices are developed, then portability is improved, but neutron production efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidneutron production efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device utilizes variable voltage parameters (up to 100 kV) to optimize electron acceleration and neutron yield. By adjusting electrical parameters rather than increasing physical size, the device maintains high neutron production efficiency in a compact form factor suitable for portable field operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If deuterium ionizer and target configurations are used, then neutron emission is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneutron emission capabilityVSAvoiddevice structural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex deuterium ionizer system is replaced by extracting only the essential function: directing electrons to bombard a deuterated target. This simplifies the device architecture while maintaining neutron production capability, reducing the number of components needed for ion generation and acceleration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If non-radioisotope neutron sources are developed, then security risks are reduced, but neutron production efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity risk reductionVSAvoidneutron production efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Radioisotope-based neutron sources are replaced with an electron accelerator system that uses electrical fields to accelerate electrons onto a deuterated target. This mechanical/electrical substitution eliminates radioactive materials while achieving comparable or superior neutron production efficiency through controlled electron bombardment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The neutron device achieves improved neutron production and detection efficiency, enabling effective use in harsh environments and diverse applications like oil-well inspection and military uses, with a portable and battery-powered design suitable for field operations.

Implementation Method 1

The electron source may be configured to emit electrons toward the target when a voltage is applied between the target and the electron source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermionic emission: Thermionic Emission

Implementation Method 2

Reaction ions may be released when the electrons interact with the ionization gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

The target may include a cooling system configured to dissipate heat from the target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20240345267A1Non-radioisotope neutron device

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 XELERA RESEARCH LLC

AI summary

A neutron device may include a neutron emitter. The neutron emitter may include a target, an electron source, and a vacuum space in which ionization gas is disposed. The electron source may be configured to emit electrons toward the target when a voltage is applied between the target and the electron source. The vacuum space may be disposed between the target and the electron source. Reaction ions may be released when the electrons interact with the ionization gas. Neutrons may be emitted from the target when the reaction ions contact the target.