STUDY AND ASPECTS OF THE USE OF A CONTROLLABLE NUCLIDE SOURCE OF NEUTRONS IN ANALYZING SUBSTANCES

Results are presented from studies of the spatial and energy distribut ion of neutrons from a controllable nuclide source. The source is crea ted by the controlled joining of the separated surfaces of the plates of an alpha-particle emitter based on plutonium-238 and a beryllium ta rget. Aspects of the practical use of the source in different configur ations are discussed for neutron-neutron and neutron-activation analys es of substances. It is shown that it is possible to develop safe port able instruments with a controllable source of neutrons that can be us ed to evaluate the quality of ores and engineering products.