Small-size plasma diode with a transparent internal cathode for neutron generation

A discharge plasma system for neutron generation based on the concept of inertial electrostatic confinement is considered. The system is made in the form of a gas-filled (1–60 Pa) diode with a composite hollow cathode placed at its center symmetrically to an embracing hollow cylindrical anode. Preionization of the discharge gap and an original design of the electrode system with a transparent central part make it possible to initiate a pulse high-voltage (100–150 kV) volume discharge in the ion oscillation mode. Estimates of the neutron emission in such a deuterium-filled diode show the feasibility of generating a pulse with a neutron yield on the order of 10$^5$ in the reaction D$(d,n)^3$He, which is confirmed in experiments with an optimized geometry of the electrodes.