Transportable Neutron Generator Powered by Explosive Current Source

The paper describes a transportable neutron generator made on the basis of electric-discharge chamber with plasma focus powered by an explosive current source. The electric-discharge chamber of Meiser type, the explosive current source consisting of a small-size helical explosive magnetic generator and the current opening switch are used. The explosive source of current can shape the current pulse with the amplitude of 3...4 MA and a microsecond front in the inductive load of 30... 40 nil. The current opening switch is made in the form of several series-connected sections that makes it possible to vary the amplitude and the duration of the voltage pulse applied to the load. The electric-discharge chamber is connected to the current source through a solid switch which helps to shape rather a steep front (< 100 ns) of the voltage pulse on the electrodes of the chamber. It is planned to conduct several series of explosive experiments. The first series of experiments with tire maximum current on the level of 1.5... 2 MA will study the operation of the neutron generator at the integral yield of DT-neutrons of > 10¹²n/pulse. The developed explosive current source will also allow conducting the experiments of tire next series at the maximum current o f 2... 3 MA in the discharge chamber.