In an aspect, a plasma focus apparatus produces pulsed high temperature plasma that emits multi-radiation including ion beams, electron beams, fast plasma streams, x-rays and nuclear fusion neutrons. This plasma focus apparatus includes an electrode assembly including an inner and at least one outer electrode, as well as a plurality of capacitors connected to the electrode assembly in parallel to form the high energy density, high current density plasma, where the arrangement and shape of the capacitors and other elements of the circuitry and electrode assembly provide a system with low stray inductance.

Provided herein are systems, devices, articles of manufacture, and methods for generating neutrons employing a high energy ion beam target (HEIB target) and a target backing configured to be in contact with the bottom surface of the HEIB target (e.g., to generate an ion beam target assembly). In certain embodiments, the HEIB target has a thickness that is less than the penetration depth of protons or deuterons in the high energy ion beam that strikes the target. In certain embodiments, the target backing comprises a high hydrogen diffusion metal (e.g., palladium), has open spaces dispersed throughout for reduced proton diffusion distances, and has a shape and thickness such that all, or virtually all, of the protons or deuterons that pass through the HEIB target are stopped. Also provided herein are systems, devices, and methods for changing targets in an ion beam accelerator system.

Provided herein are systems, devices, articles of manufacture, and methods for generating neutrons employing a high energy ion beam target (HEIB target) and a target backing configured to be in contact with the bottom surface of the HEIB target (e.g., to generate an ion beam target assembly). In certain embodiments, the HEIB target has a thickness that is less than the penetration depth of protons or deuterons in the high energy ion beam that strikes the target. In certain embodiments, the target backing comprises a high hydrogen diffusion metal (e.g., palladium), has open spaces dispersed throughout for reduced proton diffusion distances, and has a shape and thickness such that all, or virtually all, of the protons or deuterons that pass through the HEIB target are stopped. Also provided herein are systems, devices, and methods for changing targets in an ion beam accelerator system.

Provided herein are systems and methods for generating a plurality of different monoenergetic neutron energies using a plurality of interchangeable ion beam targets. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of ion beam targets is configured to generate a monoenergetic energy value that is at least 100 kiloelectron volts (keV) different from the other ion beam targets. In some embodiments, the ion beam targets are composed of LiF, TiD.sub.1.5-1.8, TiT.sub.1-2, ErD.sub.1.5, ErT, or Li.

Provided herein are systems and methods for generating a plurality of different monoenergetic neutron energies using a plurality of interchangeable ion beam targets. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of ion beam targets is configured to generate a monoenergetic energy value that is at least 100 kiloelectron volts (keV) different from the other ion beam targets. In some embodiments, the ion beam targets are composed of LiF, TiD.sub.1.5-1.8, TiT.sub.1-2, ErD.sub.1.5, ErT, or Li.

Systems, devices, and methods for converting a raw neutron beam to a specified deliverable format having a targeted energy range, size, and direction are described. Embodiments of a neutron beam converter can include numerous regions based on location, function, dimension, and/or constituent material. The regions can include a central region, an intermediate region, a peripheral region, and a frontal region. Materials are also described.

Systems, devices, and methods for converting a raw neutron beam to a specified deliverable format having a targeted energy range, size, and direction are described. Embodiments of a neutron beam converter can include numerous regions based on location, function, dimension, and/or constituent material. The regions can include a central region, an intermediate region, a peripheral region, and a frontal region. Materials are also described.

Downhole neutron generators, downhole logging tools that utilize neutron generators, and methods to auto tune downhole neutron generators are disclosed. While a neutron generator is deployed in a borehole of a wellbore, the method includes determining whether an oscillation cycle of an ion beam current generated by the neutron generator is stable. After a determination that the oscillation cycle of the ion beam current is stable, the method includes determining proportional, integral, and derivative parameters of a proportional-integral-derivative controller that is operable to adjust an amount of power supplied to generate ions. The method further includes adjusting a replenish voltage of a replenish power supply of the neutron generator based on the proportional, integral, and derivative parameters.

Downhole neutron generators, downhole logging tools that utilize neutron generators, and methods to auto tune downhole neutron generators are disclosed. While a neutron generator is deployed in a borehole of a wellbore, the method includes determining whether an oscillation cycle of an ion beam current generated by the neutron generator is stable. After a determination that the oscillation cycle of the ion beam current is stable, the method includes determining proportional, integral, and derivative parameters of a proportional-integral-derivative controller that is operable to adjust an amount of power supplied to generate ions. The method further includes adjusting a replenish voltage of a replenish power supply of the neutron generator based on the proportional, integral, and derivative parameters.

Provided herein are neutron imaging systems (e.g., radiography and tomography) systems and methods that provide, for example, high-quality, high throughput 2D and 3D fast or thermal neutron and/or X-ray images. Such systems and methods find use for the commercial-scale imaging of industrial components. In certain embodiments, provided herein are system comprising a plurality of independent neutron absorber-lined collimators (e.g., 4 or more collimators) extending outwards from a central neutron source assembly.