Low power neutron generators
A neutron generator and method of constructing the same. The generator includes a grid configured to produce an ionizable gas when heated by electrons impinging thereon. A cathode emits electrons to heat the grid and to collide with produced ionizable gas atoms to generate ions. Neutrons are generated from a collision of ions impinging on a target in the generator. A tool for subsurface use incorporating the neutron generator.
1. A low power neutron generator for subsurface use, comprising:
a cathode configured to emit electrons to heat a grid configured to produce an ionizable gas when heated by the electrons impinging thereon and to cause emitted electrons to collide with ionizable gas atoms to generate ions; and
an accelerating potential configured to accelerate the generated ions onto
a target configured to generate neutrons from a collision of ions impinging on the target.
2. The neutron generator of claim 1 , wherein the grid is coated with a material that releases an ionizable gas when heated.
3. The neutron generator of claim 1 , wherein the grid is positioned in a direct path to receive electrons emitted from the cathode.
4. The neutron generator of claim 1 , wherein the cathode is configured to receive an adjustable current.
5. The neutron generator of claim 1 , wherein the generator comprises a tube housing enclosing the grid, cathode, and target.
6. The neutron generator of claim 5 , wherein the tube comprises a sealed envelope to contain ionizable gas released by the grid.
7. The neutron generator of claim 5 , further comprising Deuterium or Tritium gas disposed within the tube.
8. A neutron generator for subsurface use, comprising:
a tube forming a sealed envelope to contain a gas;
a grid disposed within the tube to produce an ionizable gas when heated by electrons impinging thereon;
a cathode disposed within the tube to emit electrons to heat the grid and cause emitted electrons to collide with ionizable gas atoms to generate ions; and
an accelerating potential configured to accelerate the generated ions onto
a target disposed within the tube to generate neutrons from a collision of ions impinging on the target.
9. The neutron generator of claim 8 , wherein the grid is coated with a material that releases an ionizable gas when heated.
10. The neutron generator of claim 8 , wherein the grid is positioned in a direct path to receive electrons emitted from the cathode.
11. The neutron generator of claim 8 , wherein the cathode is configured to receive an adjustable current.
12. The neutron generator of claim 8 , wherein the tube comprises Deuterium or Tritium gas disposed therein.
13. A tool for subsurface use incorporating a neutron generator, the neutron generator comprising:
a tube forming a sealed envelope configured to contain a gas;
a grid disposed within the tube to produce an ionizable gas when heated by electrons impinging thereon;
a cathode disposed within the tube to emit electrons configured to heat the grid and cause emitted electrons to collide with ionizable gas atoms to generate ions; and
an accelerating potential configured to accelerate the generated ions onto
a target disposed within the tube to generate neutrons from a collision of ions impinging on the target.
14. The tool of claim 13 , wherein the grid is coated with a material that releases an ionizable gas when heated.
15. The tool of claim 13 , wherein the grid is positioned in a direct path to receive electrons emitted from the cathode.
16. The tool of claim 13 , further comprising an adjustable current supply for the cathode.
17. The tool of claim 16 , further comprising a voltage supply for electrical components of the generator.
18. The tool of claim 13 , wherein the tube comprises Deuterium or Tritium gas disposed therein.
19. A method for constructing a neutron generator for subsurface use, comprising:
disposing a cathode within a tube;
disposing a grid within the tube to produce an ionizable gas when heated by electrons impinging thereon;
configuring the cathode to emit electrons to strike the grid and to cause emitted electrons to collide with ionizable gas atoms to generate ions; and
disposing a target within the tube;
applying an accelerating potential configured to accelerate the generated ions onto the target to generate neutrons from a collision of ions impinging on the target.
20. The method of claim 19 , further comprising coating the grid with a material that releases an ionizable gas when heated.
21. The method of claim 19 , further comprising positioning the grid in a direct path to receive electrons emitted from the cathode.
22. The method of claim 19 , further comprising coupling an adjustable current supply to the cathode.
23. The method of claim 22 , further comprising coupling a voltage supply for electrical components of the generator.
24. The method of claim 19 , further comprising disposing Deuterium or Tritium gas within the tube.
25. A method for constructing a neutron generator for subsurface use, comprising:
disposing a cathode within a tube configured for mounting on a tool for subsurface disposal, the tube forming a sealed envelope to contain a gas;
disposing a grid within the tube to receive electrons emitted from the cathode, the grid configured to produce an ionizable gas when heated by electrons impinging thereon;
configuring the cathode to emit electrons to collide with ionizable gas atoms to generate ions; and
disposing a target within the tube to generate neutrons from a collision of ions impinging on the target.