Generation and basic characteristics of a radially convergent beam fusion

Experimental results for a cylindrical glow discharge for a portable neutron source are presented. Basic characteristics, including emission intensity of the hydrogen line, breakdown voltage, operating voltage versus discharge current and floating potential profiles, were measured for a hydrogen discharge. Using deuterium gas, a steady-state neutron production rate of 10/sup 5/ s/sup -1/ was observed at a discharge of 40 kV, 20 mA.. Beam-background reactions are dominant in the measured range of voltage and current.