Fusion Message Board

In this space, visitors are invited to post any comments, questions, or skeptical observations about Philo T. Farnsworth's contributions to the field of Nuclear Fusion research.

Subject: Re: More book wormin' (neutrons)
Date: Jan 25, 6:11 pm
Poster: Jim Lux

On Jan 25, 6:11 pm, Jim Lux wrote:

Could one generate test or calibration neutrons by using the 5 MeV alpha particles from a AM241 source on a suitable target (Be, Al, etc). The 1 microcurie source in a smoke detector produces about 27000 particles per second, over a 4pi sphere. If you put the foil target right next to the source, you'll intercept, say, 1/4 of the particles. I haven't looked up the cross sections, but, off hand, it seems that you could generate at least a few neutrons for testing your neutron detector.