Neutron source - Definition and Overview

A neutron source is a device, used in solid state physics (see neutron diffraction), particle physics and to start nuclear chain reactions, that emits neutrons. Usually, the neutron source is high speed atoms hitting a metal of an isotope with many neutrons. This reaction can be seen as bright sparks, but the sparks each have many neutrons in them.

Neutrons can be generated by mixing beryllium and an alpha emitter such as radium or polonium. Neutrons are liberated when beryllium is hit by alpha particles at about 30 neutrons/million alpha particles.

See also

• radioactive decay
• fast neutron
• slow neutron
• neutron moderator
• nuclear fission
• radioactivity