The DD108.1 is actively vacuum-pumped, using a continuous trickle supply of non-radioactive deuterium gas, resulting in a tube head with an almost unlimited lifetime. Internal components can be easily exchanged as needed due to damage or excessive wear. The DD108.1gs is a sealed system that allows closer access to the neutron source point and does not require a deuterium gas supply. However, the generator head must be returned to the factory for maintenance.

The DD108.1 and DD108.1gs are good laboratory sources for most thermal neutron experiments, as the emitted lower-energy neutrons are easily moderated and shielded. Thermal neutron capture events, identified with either Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) or delayed-gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), provide non-destructive elemental identification for a wide range of applications. Similarly, 2.5 MeV fast neutron interactions can produce clearer data on selected elements (Fe, Cu, etc.) as it is below the gamma-ray response threshold for a large number of common elements (O, C, N, etc.).

The systems consists of two main parts: the accelerator head and a control power and cooling (CPC) rack. The CPC contains a 600W high-voltage power supply running at a maximum of 120 kV and the necessary control electronics and cooling needed to operate the neutron generator. The entire system is computer controlled by a simple program. System controls include multiple interlocks controlling for system condition status and user safety access.