A piezoelectrically driven ion diode neutron source for active interrogation

Research and development are being conducted into the production of neutrons from a piezoelectric transformer power source. The neutrons generated by the piezoelectric transformer (PT) may eventually be used for portable active interrogation technologies or gas and oil well diagnostics. The University of Missouri program ties together several independent areas of focus, including ion source development, PT characterization and optimization, and PT-compatible high voltage diagnostics. The neutron source was based on the well known D-D collision interaction, during which free energy and a neutron are released. An ion source is under development that optimizes ion emission current through structural changes in the emission surface characteristics. A PT-based accelerator is under development to evaluate ion beam characteristics and circuit dynamics under resonant operating conditions. A suite of diagnostics are under development to directly and indirectly measure circuit parameters including voltage and current, as well as parameters accessible using optical techniques.