High Power Neutron Source Drivers
Science Research Laboratory has developed a compact, high voltage (120 kV), high current (250 mA), neutron source driver for the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The SRL driver has been integrated with the LBNL sealed-tube epithermal neutron source.
The neutron source and driver together have demonstrated stable, continuous operation at thermal neutron fluence of greater than 109 neutrons/sec, and the system is being used to support on-going science projects at LBNL.
This type of compact, high power neutron source system is applicable to Thermal Neutron Activation Analysis (TNAA) for explosives and illicit drug detection, and Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) for cancer detection and treatment.