Patent ID: 6925137

Claim:
A neutron generator for treating tumors, comprising: a) an electron bombardment ion source having a gas-fillable ionization chamber defined by a repeller on one end of said ionization chamber and an anode defining an exit slit for extracting ions on an opposite end of said ionization chamber, and focusing apertures said ion source having means for generating an electron beam which creates ions by collision with a gas in said ionization chamber wherein said exit slit and said focusing apertures are each at least 3 mm in width; b) a high voltage acceleration stage for accelerating said ions towards a target; c) a hollow needle sealed on one end, wherein said sealed end may be brought at least into close proximity with the patient's body in the region of the tumor; and d) an occluded reaction target, which upon impact by said ions produces neutrons, wherein said reaction target is mounted within said hollow needle substantially towards said sealed end of said needle.