Standoff Detection of Nuclear Materials Using CNT-Based D2 Plasma Ion Source

Applied Nanotech, Inc. (ANI) proposes to develop a novel neutron generator based on electron impact ionization from a carbon nanotube (CNT) electron source. Our proposed approach is aimed at providing significant advantages for man-portable or UAV deployment. It will provide significant advantages over existing neutron or gamma-ray sources in terms of size, weight and power efficiency without compromising yield. It will leverage existing RF-driven plasma source technologies thus lower the deployment time frame. Our proposed approach is based on extracting ions from a gas plasma and then accelerating these ions to a target (D or T target). The plasma is excited by electron current extracted from a carbon nanotube field emission cold cathode, thus eliminating the need for RF power generation and lowering the size and weight of the generator. The proposal team includes ANI, with a strong history of using CNT-based electron sources for display, lighting and gas ionization applications, Sandia NL, having the facilities needed to test the sources, and Dr. Ka-Ngo Leung, a leading expert in plasma-based neutron generators.