A compact neutron generator using a field ionization source

Arun Persaud; Ole Waldmann; Rehan Kapadia; Kuniharu Takei; Ali Javey; Thomas Schenkel

doi:10.1063/1.3672437

A compact neutron generator using a field ionization source

Rev Sci Instrum. 2012 Feb;83(2):02B312. doi: 10.1063/1.3672437.

Authors

Arun Persaud¹, Ole Waldmann, Rehan Kapadia, Kuniharu Takei, Ali Javey, Thomas Schenkel

Affiliation

¹ E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA. [email protected]

PMID: 22380291
DOI: 10.1063/1.3672437

Abstract

Field ionization as a means to create ions for compact and rugged neutron sources is pursued. Arrays of carbon nano-fibers promise the high field-enhancement factors required for efficient field ionization. We report on the fabrication of arrays of field emitters with a density up to 10(6) tips∕cm(2) and measure their performance characteristics using electron field emission. The critical issue of uniformity is discussed, as are efforts towards coating the nano-fibers to enhance their lifetime and surface properties.