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Updated: May 24, 2026

Neutron Radiography and Computed Tomography of Biological Systems at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's High Flux Isotope Reactor
Published on: May 7, 2021
A compact neutron generator using a field ionization source
Arun Persaud1, Ole Waldmann, Rehan Kapadia
1E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA. APersaud@lbl.gov
Abstract:
Field ionization as a means to create ions for compact and rugged neutron sources is pursued. Arrays of carbon nano-fibers promise the high field-enhancement factors required for efficient field ionization. We report on the fabrication of arrays of field emitters with a density up to 10(6) tips∕cm(2) and measure their performance characteristics using electron field emission. The critical issue of uniformity is discussed, as are efforts towards coating the nano-fibers to enhance their lifetime and surface properties.
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