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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 my 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 moderatorIn nuclear engineering, a neutron moderator is a medium which reduces the velocity of fast neutrons, thereby turning them into thermal neutrons capable of sustaining a chain reaction. Commonly used moderators include deuterium (as heavy water), hydrogen (
- nuclear fissionIn physics, fission is a nuclear process, meaning it occurs in the nucleus of an atom. Fission is when the nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei plus some by-products. These by-products include free neutrons and photons (usually gamma rays).
- radioactivityRadioactive decay Radioactivity is the process by which unstable atomic nuclei decay. This process normally produces ionizing radiation with a relatively large amount of energy. This energy can be harnessed in the form of nuclear power, or it can be very
