Neutronic tube with magnetic confinement of electrons by permanent magnets and its manufacturing process

This invention is a long life neutron generator tube with a better efficiency during high frequency impulse use. It comprises a sealed tube filled with a low pressure deuterium-tritium or deuterium-deuterium gaseous mixing, a ion source, an extraction-acceleration electrode, and a target generally made of titanium, scandium, zirconium, erbium etc. The ion source is made of 2n Penning cells with anodes disposed inside a unique cathodic cavity. Ions are produced by bombardment of the gas mixing with electrons and are canalized by the permanent magnetisation system (PMS) of each cell. They are extracted through the cathode holes, accelerated by the extraction-acceleration electrode and projected onto the target electrode to produce a fusion reaction with neutron emission. During high frequency impulse use, half of the PMS are magnetized at their nominal value and the rest is magnetized at a low or null value for a selective activation of Penning cells. Details of manufacturing processes and description of units are given. (J.S.). 4 refs., 2 figs