This type of neutron-generating device utilizes a rotating target bombarded with a beam of accelerated charged particles, typically deuterons or protons. The rotation distributes the heat load over a larger area, allowing for higher beam currents and thus a more intense neutron flux compared to stationary targets. This mechanism often involves a rapidly spinning disc or cylinder made of a suitable material, such as beryllium, which readily produces neutrons upon interaction with the charged particle beam.
Higher neutron fluxes are essential for various applications, including materials research, medical isotope production, neutron imaging, and detector testing. The ability to withstand higher beam currents through target rotation significantly enhances the efficiency and versatility of these devices, enabling experiments and processes that demand high neutron intensities. The development and refinement of this technology represents a crucial advancement in neutron generation, facilitating greater precision and capability in a range of scientific and industrial fields. Historically, limitations in heat dissipation restricted the achievable neutron flux; the rotating target concept overcame this obstacle, opening new avenues for research and applications.
