Neutron Diagnostics for Pulsed Plasma Sources

Neutron detectors have been developed and applied to a variety of pulsed plasma sources with intensities ranging from 102 to 1012 neutrons/pulse. For yields as small as 102 neutrons, a 6Li-glass-scintillator detector is used. A rhodium-activation counter has been developed for yields greater than 106 neutrons. These detectors are used for total yield and angular distribution measurements. Neutron energies are determined primarily by the time-of-flight technique. Limitations on this technique for neutron yield and energy measurements are discussed. Improved methods are needed to measure the spatial extent of these neutron sources.