DD109 Neutron Generator

The DD109 is a highly versatile, high output deuterium based, D-D neutron generator. The generator has a long service life and uses safe deuterium gas. Since the generator does not use radioactive tritium, the generator head can easily be serviced and the deuterium target replaced. The source does not suffer from the limited lifetime of many sealed source neutron generators such as the Penning diode, which produces a fixed number of neutrons in its lifetime and then must be discarded. The DD109 neutron output of up to 2×10⁹ neutrons/sec is considerably higher than the Penning diode, which does not generally exceed 108 n/s. The DD109 is well suited to applications that require increased output, long lifetime or significant customization.

The DD109 was developed as a tool for neutron activation analysis (NAA), prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) and homeland security applications such as the use of differential die away analysis (DDA) used for the detection of special nuclear materials. It has far ranging applications in fields as diverse as forensic science, materials analysis and nondestructive testing. The generator can output. This is sufficient to activate many elements. Some common elements that we have routinely used in neutron activation experiments include copper (5.1 minute, 12.8 hour half-life) aluminum (2.31 min half life), tin (39.4, 9.5 min), indium (1.2 min, 54 min 1.73 hr) and table salt - both sodium (15 hours) and Chlorine (37 min). The graph shows a prompt gamma ray spectra from Aluminum, Iron, Lead, Sodium Chloride and Sulfur as measured by an HPGe detector placed close to a sample being irradiated with neutrons from a DD109.

We have also used the DD109 as the neutron source in prototype fast neutron radiography systems. Fast neutron imaging reveals different information than would be seen with an x-ray since neutrons are scattered by different materials than x-rays are. This technology is relevant to non destructive testing and security applications. We have demonstrated the ability to see the water level inside a pipe using this technology.

Traditional x-ray systems struggle to see hydrogen-bearing materials, being attenuated by high-Z materials such as lead and steel but absorbed very little by water.

We are pleased to work closely with our customers to develop systems that are ideally suited to your particular needs; this may involve shielding systems, or optimization of our neutron generator for a particular orientation or configuration.

The DD109 neutron generator must be adequately shielded in order to make them safe if people are going to work in close proximity to them. We can provide compact shielding solutions for the generator and would also be happy advise you in developing your own shielding. The 2.45 MeV neutrons produced by the DD reaction are very easily stopped.

First the neutrons must be moderated, moderating in a few inches of high density polyethylene followed by absorption in an inch or so of borated polyethylene is perfectly adequate to reduce the neutron dose to lsafe levels.