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This study introduces a compact neutron generator using a lithium beam driver and kinematic focusing to boost neutron flux without high beam energy. Development includes a laser ion source and radio-frequency quadrupole linac, achieving significant beam currents.

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Area of Science:

  • Nuclear physics
  • Accelerator physics
  • Plasma physics

Background:

  • Conventional neutron generators often require high beam energies, limiting their compactness and increasing operational complexity.
  • Existing heavy ion sources struggle to achieve beam currents comparable to proton drivers, hindering neutron flux enhancement.
  • The kinematic focusing technique offers a potential pathway to increase neutron yield without escalating beam energy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose and report the development status of a compact neutron generator utilizing a lithium beam driver.
  • To leverage the kinematic focusing technique for enhanced neutron flux in a compact design.
  • To achieve high beam currents using a laser ion source and radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) linac.

Main Methods:

  • Design and fabrication of a compact neutron generator system including a laser ion source, RFQ linac, drift tube linac, and proton target.
  • Utilizing a lithium (Li) beam as the projectile to enable kinematic focusing.
  • Employing a direct plasma injection scheme for the RFQ linac to achieve high beam currents.
  • Designing RFQ rods for accelerating 40 mA of 7Li3+ and testing with C6+.

Main Results:

  • Successful acceleration of 10 mA of C6+ beam in the fabricated RFQ linac as a first test.
  • The proposed system aims for a fully ionized lithium beam current of several tens of mA.
  • The kinematic focusing technique is expected to enhance neutron flux without increasing beam energy.

Conclusions:

  • The development of a compact neutron generator based on a Li beam driver is progressing.
  • The combination of a laser ion source and RFQ linac shows promise for high-current heavy ion beams.
  • The initial RFQ test results are encouraging for the advancement of this novel neutron generation technology.