DD108 Neutron Generator

The DD-108 is a transportable neutron generator that uses the deuterium-deuterium fusion reaction to produce 2.45 MeV free neutrons. The system is actively vacuum-pumped, using a continuous trickle supply of the non-radioactive gas, resulting in a tube head with an almost unlimited lifetime. Internal components can be easily exchanged as needed due to damage or excessive wear.

The DD-108 is a good laboratory source for most thermal neutron experiments, as the emitted lower-energy neutrons are easily moderated and shielded. Thermal neutron capture events, identified with either Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) or delayed-gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), provide non-destructive elemental identification for a wide range of applications. Similarly, 2.45 MeV fast neutron interactions can produce clearer data on selected elements (Fe, Cu, etc.) as it is below the gamma-ray response threshold for a large number of common elements (O, C, N, etc.).

The system consists of three main parts: the accelerator head, a power supply and control rack, and a separate heat exchanger/chiller. The rack consists of a 2 kW High-Voltage power supply running at a maximum of 120 kV, and a vacuum- and gas-controlling gauges and interface controls. The entire system is computer controlled by a simple program. Optional capabilities and controls include pulsed operations, where a variety of parameters (pulse length, rise/fall times, dwell time, etc.) can be user-selected. System controls include multiple interlocks controlling for system condition status and user safety access.