While run times are very short at high neutron rates (for an amateur fusor, not the fission caused high rates you cite for Slotnik's little problem with the Dragon), as computer control becomes more common to automatically adjust things, I see the run times increasing dramatically.
I've noticed this in the lab at work when testing devices over a temperature range. When you have to make each measurement by hand, waiting for the chamber to stabilize, etc. you make one or two passes over the range and call it done. When you've got the computer hooked up making the measurements and running the chamber, 10,20, or 30 passes becomes common (heck, I've got one running over the weekend now...)
I can see the real value, from a metrology standpoint, of cycling the fusor on and off every 10 minutes, making a series of background counts interspersed with fusion runs. Now, all of a sudden, you're talking about some serious durations, albeit at low rates. A world of difference between 24 hours at 1E6 n/sec and 60 seconds at 1E6 n/sec.
Especially if there is any neutron activation hazard. I think we are a long way from a real problem here, but..
I suppose the important thing is to be aware of things, and reevaluate your shielding and safety procedures, and not just do it the the same way as before, when it is based on some no-longer-valid assumptions.
Created on Saturday, March 10, 2001 11:37 AM EDT by James Lux