Patent Number: 043119123
Section: abstract

A neutron accelerator tube having a replenisher section for supplying accelerator gas, in ionization section adjacent the replenisher section adapted to receive the accelerator gas, and a target section adjacent the ionization section. The target section includes a chamber having a tritium target therein. A cathode member is interposed between the ionization section and the target chamber and has a recessed convergent surface exposed to the target chamber. An aperture in the cathode member at the vortex of this recessed surface provides for the extraction of ionized accelerator gas from the ionization section into the target chamber. An extraction electrode is also located in the target chamber between the target and the cathode and has a divergent projecting surface facing the recessed cathode surface. This electrode has an aperture at the apex of the projecting surface through which ionized accelerator gas may may be directed at the target.