Proposal for an accelerator-based neutron generator

An Accelerator-based Neutron Generator is described that consists of a 30-MeV deuteron linear accelerator using a flowing liquid lithium target. With a continuous deuteron current of 100 milliamperes, a source intensity of more than 1016 neutrons per second will be produced. The neutrons will be emitted in a roughly collimated beam. The proposed facility can be divided into two areas: the 30-MeV linear accelerator and the multiple-target experimental area. The 30-MeV accelerator will consist of eight rf accelerating cavities in a single vacuum tank, each cavity being powered by its own rf power amplifier operating at 50 MHz. To shield the beam bunches from the rf field when it is in the decelerating direction, 66 ''drift tubes'' will be included; the drift-tube structures will include quadrupole magnets which will keep the beam focused. The accelerator will produce a continuous beam of 100 milliamperes. Beam power will thus be 3.0 megawatts; total power including rf losses in the accelerating cavities will be 4.5 megawatts. The injectors for the linear accelerator will be two 500-kV dc accelerators, one for injection of D+ ions and the other for D- ions. They can be used simultaneously or one can serve as a spare in case of breakdown or maintenance of the other. (U.S.)