Patent ID: 8675802

Claim:
A method for neutralizing a weapon containing a chemical payload using a neutron generator, wherein the neutron generator comprises: a low-voltage power source; a high-voltage power source; a vacuum pump; a positively-biased cylindrical vacuum chamber, operatively connected to the vacuum pump, the vacuum chamber containing: a fuel source; a platinum grid; a concentric pair of do rings operatively connected to the low-voltage power source; a first negatively-biased accelerating grid operatively connected to the high voltage source; a platinum enriched lithium mesh; a lithium blanket surrounding the lithium mesh; a second negatively-biased accelerating grid operatively connected to the high voltage source; wherein the vacuum chamber is surrounded by a neutron reflector, except for a bare region which comprises: a region with two polyethylene sheets; a region with one polyethylene sheet; and a region with no polyethylene sheets; the method comprising: locating a chemical weapon; generating a moderated neutron beam with the neutron generator; and targeting the chemical weapon with the moderated neutron beam for a period of time.