Energy Efficiency Enhancement of Ionic Diode for Neutron Generation with Electronic Conduction Suppression by the Field of a Permanent Magnet

Abstract

In order to use neutron generators in applied research, it is important to increase the energy efficiency of neutron generation. For high accelerating voltages, diodes with magnetic insulation are used to suppress electron emission from the cathode in neutron accelerator tubes. A mathematical model describing the dynamics of charged particles in the axial diode with insulation of electrons by the field of a permanent magnet is studied. The model is used to perform a computer experiment that shows a reduction of insulation near the ends of the magnet, which permits up to 40% of the electrons from the cathode to reach the anode of the accelerator tube. An option for making the magnetic insulation more efficient by adding into the magnetic system diaphragms placed in the end zones of a cylindrical cathode is proposed and studied.