OPTIMIZATION OF IEC GRID DESIGN FOR MAXIMUM NEUTRON-PRODUCTION

Two different, complementary approaches were taken to determine the ef fects of an Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) grid's design on the neutron production rate of the device. A semi-empirical formula de veloped from experimental data predicts the neutron yield of an IEC de vice, given the chamber size, grid radius and transparency, and operat ing voltage and current. Results from the IXL(TM) computer program sup port some of the scalings found in the semi-empirical formula. A secon d formula was also developed that predicts the neutron yield of an IEC device using grid design parameters and the ion core radius. The SIMI ON(TM) computer program was used to calculate the ion core radius. The se formulas are useful tools for designing grids that will maximize th e neutron yield for IEC devices.