Publications

Adelphi Technology Inc. has been developing new technologies for over 25 years. While we are focused on neutron generators and nuclear physics, we have also worked on novel x-ray sources, x-ray lenses and imaging applications. In particular, our Research & Development is focused on:

  • Neutron generators
  • Neutron beamline optics
  • Neutron Magnetic lenses
  • Neutron refractive lenses
  • Wollaston Prism
  • Neutron microscopy
  • Fast and thermal neutron radiography
  • Materials analysis
  • Neutron activation analysis
  • Prompt gamma neutron activation analysis
  • Medical applications
  • Boron neutron capture therapy
  • Fast neutron radiotherapy
  • Large Volume, Position-Sensitive Detectors
  • Detection of Nuclear Materials
  • Liquid Noble Gas Detectors


Products

Projects

Adelphi has a number of research and development programs for specialty neutron generators and related technology that are supported by internal funds, by industrial sponsorship, or by governmental agency research grants. In the past 6 years three broad areas of development have been pursued:

Neutron Generator Development

Under a US government contract we are developing a battery-operated, field-portable neutron generator that is light enough to be carried (when non-operational) by single individual. With Adelphi internal funding, a very high-yield neutron generator useful for medical radiotherapy (BNCT) or for medical isotope production is being developed. Neutron yields as high as 2 x 1011 n/s using the DD reaction and 2 x 1013 n/s using the DT reaction are possible. Using internal and industry funds, sealed neutron generators that use the DT fusion reaction have been developed. These high-yield generators (~1011 14 MeV n/s) have liquid-cooled target assemblies and thus much longer tube lifetimes. Under a collaborative program with industry, we are developing a neutron generator for Associated Particle Imaging (API). Associated particle imaging is a technique that allows element-specific imaging, in 2-D or 3-D, via neutron interrogation. Adelphi has developed new RF-driven and microwave-driven ion sources in a cooperative program with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Theses ion sources produce high current proton, deuteron or triton beams.

Detector Development

Another program with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is for developing a fast neutron imaging detector for non-destructive testing. Fast neutron imaging has been successfully demonstrated. The technique allows in-depth imaging of high density materials such a uranium and tungsten. A novel nuclear resonance detector for gamma-rays produced via fast neutron inelastic scatter was developed to identify compositions of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon, as found in explosives. Together with an academic partner, we are developing Phoswich (phosphor sandwich) detectors that are capable of detecting fast neutrons, thermal neutrons and gamma rays. Simple detection of the radiation and quick spectroscopic analysis (to identify the source) are possible.

Neutron Optics

Adelphi is developing a series of neutron magnetic optics for materials science research. These include magnetic prisms and lenses that use unique geometries for focusing and distributing cold and thermal neutrons. Large apertures are possible, and there is no transmission loss. The company has also developed a series of material compound refractive lenses that refract and focus thermal and cold neutrons.