My research involves quantifying trace, toxic, particulate matter with neutron activation analysis. This is the neutron generator I use to irradiate air sampled filters, which are then analyzed by gamma spectroscopy.
Deuterium gas feeds into the magnetron on the left, which is ionized into plasma. The plasma strikes a deuterium film target in the chamber on the right, producing helium and a neutron beam. Aluminum then moderates the beam to thermal energy.
@radiohacktive "moderates to thermal energy" - I'm not familiar with this expression.
Do you mean the neutron beam is contained by the Aluminium and it heats up... Or, what do you mean?
@radiohacktive thanks... This makes sense although I'll need to learn more...