Docket #: S15-084
Piezoelectric Neutron Generator (SPAN)
Stanford researchers have developed a portable particle accelerator – the SLAC Piezoelectric Accelerator Neutron Source (SPAN). When combined with an ion source and a deuterated target, this piezoelectric, high-voltage generator makes a compact neutron generator system. The piezoelectric material provides the structural support, insulation, and high-voltage generation for the electrostatic accelerator. SPAN demonstrates dramatic size, weight, and power improvement over the present state-of-the-art.

Piezoelectric Accelerator Neutron Source (SPAN)
Applications
- Accelerator-driven neutron sources for thermal neutron radiography:
- Manufacturing Quality Assurance (aerospace, automotive, etc.)
- Imaging corrosion in aircraft structures
- Locating faulty connections in electronics
- Detecting explosive charges
- Medical therapy and imaging
- Fast neutron radiography for homeland security and counter-terrorism
- Portable cargo scanning
- Defense-forensics applications
- Neutron activation analysis
- Nuclear fuel assembly assays
- Gold detection in bore-hole cores
- Active interrogation
- Cargo and package scanning for explosives, fissile, or fertile nuclear materials
Advantages
- Compact, light and appropriate power
Related Links
Patents
- Published Application: 20160338186
- Issued: 9,750,124 (USA)
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