Patent ID: 9204527
Filing Date: 2015-12-01
Classification: B82Y,G01V,H01J,H05H,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of generating and emitting neutrons for probing a geological formation: providing a neutron generator comprising an ion source disposed in a sealed chamber containing an ionizable gas, a grid and a substrate with a bundle of carbon nanotubes extending therefrom to tips that are spaced from said grid; providing an ion source voltage supply means, operably coupled to said ion source, for supplying a positive voltage potential between said substrate and said grid such that the carbon nanotubes are at a higher potential than said grid to cause ionization of said ionizable gas proximate the tips of the carbon nanotubes in the absence of an electron beam and emission of ions through said grid; providing a gas supply means disposed in the chamber; providing a target disposed in the chamber; providing a power supply means, operatively coupled to at least said target, for supplying to said target voltage signals that accelerate ions toward said target; providing an accelerator section disposed between said ion source and said target; causing gases to be emitted by the gas supply means, said gases diffusing through voids in the substrate and the carbon nanotube bundle and entering space between the tips of the carbon nanotube bundle and the grid; and accelerating positively charged ions towards said target to collide therewith; said target generating and emitting the neutrons therefrom due to said collisions of ions with said target.