When deuterium and tritium atoms fuse on the generator’s target, both an alpha particle and a neutron are produced. These are then emitted simultaneously 180^o apart so that the direction of the neutron can be determined by detecting the direction of the alpha particle. A scintillator provides an optical signal to determine the location, and thus direction, of the alpha particle. A small ion beam spot size (< 2 mm) on the target is required to provide a precise origin for the neutrons and alphas, and thus an accurate angular resolution. Adelphi’s microwave ion plasma technology allows for flexible and precise ion beam optics, which in turn provide for a small spot size, even with large neutron outputs.

The generator is ideal for making a mapped image of gamma emission from fast neutron scattering. Both the API neutron generator and a gamma detector for detection of the activated or scattered gamma radiation (e.g. HPGe) can be located on one side of an object to be imaged, greatly simplifying the setup. The combination of neutron, alpha and gamma detection allows for the possibility of the imaging and identification of distant and concealed objects such as contraband and special nuclear materials.