Development and characterization of a D–D fast neutron generator for imaging applications

The experimental characterization of a pulsed D–D fast neutron generator designed for fan-beam tomography applications is presented. Using Monte Carlo simulations the response of an LB6411 neutron probe was related to the neutron generator output. The yield was measured to be up to ∼10⁷neutrons/s. An aluminum block was moved stepwise between the source and a BC400 plastic scintillator detector in order to measure an edge response. This edge response was related to the neutron emitting spot size using Monte Carlo simulations and a simplified geometry-based model. The experimentally determined spot size of 2.2 mm agreed well with the simulated value of 1.5 mm. The time-dependence of pulsed output for various operating conditions was also measured. The neutron generator was found to satisfy design requirements for a planned fast neutron tomography arrangement based on a plastic scintillator detector array which is expected to be capable of producing 2D tomograms with a resolution of ∼1.5 mm. - Highlights: • Total yield of up to ∼10⁷neutrons/s was measured using MCNP-calibrated neutron probe. • Novel neutron emitting spot size measurement technique was developed to confirm ∼2 mm diameter. • Time dependence of pulsed neutron output was measured to have <1μs rise time • Design requirements for a planned small-scale tomography system were achieved