An accelerator based neutron gun micro-fabricated with ceramic/metal packaging

This paper reports on a MEMS accelerator based neutron generator that is hermetically sealed in all ceramic/metal packaging. Conventional sources are radionucleides such as ²⁵²Cf. However, these isotopes do not lend themselves to pulsed neutron applications and present many safety issues. Accelerator based neutron generators have been developed, but they tend to be large, expensive, and unreliable. The device reported here is capable of being turned on and operated in pulsed neutron mode for the safe and reliable production of neutrons. Our MEMS neutron gun uses an inexpensive ceramic injection micro-molding and metallizing paste process for the batch fabrication of many neutron guns with standard industrial fabrication processes.