The IEC star-mode fusion neutron source for NAA — status and next-step designs

Based on research at the University of Illinois, a commercial neutron source has been developed by Daimler Chrysler Aerospace using a small grided-type Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) plasma device (Miley and Sved, 1997) This device employs a unique “Star-Mode” deuterium plasma discharge to create ion-beam driven fusion reactions in a plasma target ( Miley; Miley; Miley and Miley). As such, it represents the first commercial application of a confined fusing plasma. The Star-Mode discharge is an essential feature of this device since it minimizes ion-grid collisions and also allows tight beam focussing.