Neutron Generation in a Vacuum Diode with Laser-plasma Source of Deuterons

The generation of neutrons in a coaxial vacuum diode with laser-plasma source of deuteron on anode and outer hollow cylindrical cathode is investigated. The experiments were carried out at accelerating voltages in the diode gap of UA ≤ 280 kV for two configurations of the electrode system: the cathode made from magnetic NdFeB compound material, providing suppression of electrons stray currents in the accelerating gap, and an aluminum A1 cathode. For the magnetic field inductance on the axis of the NdFeB cathode about B ≈ 0.4 on the D(d, n)3He reaction the maximum neutron output in the total solid angle Q = 5×107 neutrons per pulse was received. The absence of magnetic insulation reduced the accelerating voltage on the diode gap and the neutrons output.