Design and construction of a solid target with a cooling system to investigate the surface fusion phenomenon

In this paper, in order to investigate the surface fusion phenomenon in an industrial neutron generator, a solid target with cooling capability was designed and constructed. The first step to achieving this goal is to thoroughly investigate the material and thickness of the layers and substrates suitable for use as solid targets for industrial neutron generators, using SRIM-code simulations. Then, using the simulation results, samples of the solid target were constructed by the sputtering coating method. In addition, due to the importance of the target temperature and its effect on surface fusion, the cooling system using COMSOL multiple physics simulation software, was designed and built. In addition, to insulate the high voltage applied to the target which is in contact with the cooling system, various electrical insulators were studied and suitable insulation was selected, designed, and manufactured. Then, to test the solid targets and their side parts, a suitable vacuum system was designed and constructed. Finally, after designing and constructing all the parts, the system was assembled and set up for final testing. In deuterium filling gas tests, the neutron flux was measured using the LB6411, 3He detector. At around 25 kV voltage and 20 mA current, we were able to detect neutrons with the rate of 6 × 105 n/s, which was a sign of success. This amount of neutron production indicates duplication of the neutron rate produced by the surface fusion phenomenon.