Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
  • H05H3/00—Production or acceleration of neutral particle beams, e.g. molecular or atomic beams
  • H05H3/06—Generating neutron beams
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
  • G21B—FUSION REACTORS
  • G21B1/00—Thermonuclear fusion reactors
  • G21B1/11—Details
  • G21B1/19—Targets for producing thermonuclear fusion reactions, e.g. pellets for irradiation by laser or charged particle beams
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E30/00—Energy generation of nuclear origin
  • Y02E30/10—Nuclear fusion reactors

Definitions

• the present invention relates in particular to methods and sources of neutron generation.
• the present invention further relates to methods for nuclear fusion and / or fission as well as collisioriners for nuclei generation.
• US Pat. No. 4,390,494 describes a nuclear fusion process comprising a step of collision between two ion beams having their spins aligned.
• H446 discloses a method for controlling fusion reactions.
• a first object of the present invention is to provide novel methods for generating neutrons.
• a second objective of the present invention is to propose new collisioriners for generating neutrons.
• a third object of the present invention is to provide neutron generation methods and devices having a lower energy cost of neutron generation than known prior art methods and devices.
• a fourth objective of the present invention is to provide novel methods for generating nuclei by fusion or nuclear fission.
• a fifth objective of the present invention is to propose new colliders for generating nuclei.
• the invention relates to a method for generating neutrons, for example a neutron beam, comprising at least the successive steps of:
• nuclei selected from protons (hydrogen nuclei), deuterons (deuterium nuclei) and tritons (tritium nuclei) and at least one electron beam, and 'b) colliding with said nucleotides.
• nucleus beam and at least one electron beam are examples of nuclei selected from protons (hydrogen nuclei), deuterons (deuterium nuclei) and tritons (tritium nuclei) and at least one electron beam.
• beam we must understand a set of particles, animated by a speed, produced by a source in one or more spatial directions (s).
• the means implemented for setting into a defined spin state allow, for example, at least 50%, for example at least 75%, by substantially all the particles constituting said beam to have a determined spin state.
• the spins of electrons and nuclei can be aligned in the same direction during the collision step.
• the spin of the electrons respectively of the nuclei and the velocity vectors of the electrons respectively of the nuclei can be collinear during the collision step.
• spin and velocity vector collinear it is to be understood that the spin and the velocity vector of said particle can be of the same direction or of the opposite direction.
• the spins of the electrons respectively of the nuclei and the electron velocity vectors respectively of the nuclei can be collinear and have the same meaning during the collision step.
• the spins of given particles form, with the velocity vectors of these same particles, an oriented angle of between -10 and 10 °.
• the bundles of cores and electrons may, during the collision step, have a substantially opposite direction of movement.
• the velocity vectors of the cores and electrons, caused to collide can form, during the collision step, an oriented angle of between 170 and 190 °.
• the nuclei and electron beams may have, during the collision step, a substantially identical direction of movement.
• the velocity vectors of the cores and electrons, caused to collide can form, during the collision step, an oriented angle of between -10 and 10 °.
• the process according to the invention may have a neutron generation efficiency greater than 10%, for example 25%.
• the "neutron generation efficiency” is defined as: [number of neutrons generated by the collision of the nuclei and electron beams] / [0.5 * (number of protons within the core beam + number of electrons within the electron beam) + (number of neutrons within the nucleus beam)],
• the invention relates to a collider for generating neutrons, for example for the implementation of a method as described above, comprising:
• a source of nuclei configured to generate at least one group of nuclei chosen from protons, deuterons and newts,
• an electron source configured to generate at least one electron beam
• “collider” is meant a device for obtaining at least one collision between two particle beams.
• the invention relates to a medical installation, for example for the destruction of human or animal cancer cells, comprising at least:
• a collider for example as defined above, comprising at least: • a speaker,
• a source of cores configured to generate at least one bundle of cores
• An electron source configured to generate at least one electron beam
• Means for obtaining particle interferences configured to bring said at least one nucleus and electron beam into an interference state.
• the neutrons generated according to the invention can thus for example be used for hadrontherapy.
• the invention relates to the use of neutrons generated by the processes and / or colliders as described above for nuclear fusion or more generally to obtain nuclei in physics, experimental, radioisotope production and transmutation.
• the invention relates to a method for generating nuclei, for example a core bundle, comprising at least the successive steps of:
• a neutron beam and at least one nucleus beam in a defined spin state and / or in an interference state, or
• a neutron beam and at least one atomic particle beam in a defined spin state or
• Neutron and core spins can be aligned in the same direction during the collision stage.
• the spin of neutrons and atomic particles may, when . from the collision stage, be aligned in the same direction.
• the spin of the neutrons, respectively the nuclei, and the velocity vectors of the neutrons, or nuclei respectively, can be collinear during the collision step.
• the spins of the neutrons, respectively the atomic particles, and the velocity vectors of the neutrons, respectively the atomic particles, can be collinear during the collision step.
• the spin of neutrons, respectively nuclei, and the velocity vectors of neutrons, or nuclei respectively, can be collinear and have the same meaning during the collision step.
• the spins of neutrons can be collinear and have the same meaning during the collision step.
• step b caused to collide, can form, during step b), an oriented angle between 170 and 190 °.
• the invention relates to a method for producing energy comprising at least the successive steps of:
• a) put at least: a neutron beam and at least one nucleus beam in a defined spin state and / or in an interference state, or
• a neutron beam and at least one atomic particle beam in a defined spin state or
• step b) recovering the energy produced by the collision occurring in step b).
• the invention relates to a method for generating particles comprising at least the steps of:
• the invention relates to a collider for generating nuclei, for example for the implementation of methods as described above, comprising:
• Kernels configured to generate at least one core bundle, or
• Atomic particles configured to generate at least one atomic particle beam
• a neutron source configured to generate at least one neutron beam
• the invention relates to a collider for generating nuclei, for example for the implementation of methods as described above, comprising:
• a first source of cores configured to generate at least a first cluster of cores
• a second source of cores configured to generate at least a second cluster of cores
• means for obtaining particle interferences configured to set said first and second core beams in an interference state prior to the collision.
• the invention relates to a collisiomieur for generating particles, for example for the implementation of the particle generation method described above, comprising:
• a first neutron source configured to generate at least a first neutron beam
• a second neutron source configured to generate at least a second neutron beam
• Means for generating one or more magnetic field (s) configured to set in a defined spin state said first and second neutron beams, and / or
• a means for obtaining particle interferences configured to put said first and second neutron beams into an interference state.
• the invention relates to a medical installation, for example for the destruction of human or animal cancer cells, comprising at least:
• a collider for example as defined above, comprising at least:
• a source at. kernels configured to generate at least one core bundle, or
• a neutron source configured to generate at least one neutron beam
• means for obtaining particle interferences configured to put said at least one nucleus and neutron beam into an interference state prior to the collision.
• the invention relates to a medical installation, for example for the destruction of human or animal cancer cells, comprising at least:
• a collider for example as defined above, comprising at least:
• a first source of cores configured to generate at least a first group of cores
• a second source of cores configured to generate at least a second cluster of cores
• Means for obtaining particle interferences configured to put said first and second core beams in an interference state prior to the collision.
• the nuclei generated according to the invention can thus for example be used for hadrontherapy.
• the invention relates to the use of the nuclei generated by the processes and / or colliders as described above for experimental physics, the production of radioisotopes, propulsion and transmutation.
• the means for generating one or more magnetic field (s) used in the colliders according to the invention can be chosen from superconducting coils, resistive coils or "hybrid" coils comprising a resistive coil and a coil superconductor. It is also possible to use resonant circuits, for example from. RLC type, comprising at least one resonance coil.
• the means for obtaining particle interferences implemented in the colliders according to the invention may comprise interferometric devices, for example as detailed below, comprising, for example, one or more diffraction gratings. It is also possible for example to use one or more magnetic field (s) to obtain particles placed in an interference state.
• interferometric devices for example as detailed below, comprising, for example, one or more diffraction gratings. It is also possible for example to use one or more magnetic field (s) to obtain particles placed in an interference state.
• the values for a parameter may be chosen according to the values of the other parameters.
• the values for a parameter may be chosen according to the values of the other parameters.
• the methods according to the invention may comprise, before step a), a step of generating the nucleus beam.
• nuclei As a source of nuclei that can be used in the context of the present invention, mention may be made of the source taught in the publication "Ion Gun Injection In Support Of Fusion Ship II Research And Development” by MILEY et al.
• the sources of nuclei may include within them any type of usable core accelerators such as linear or linear accelerators, circular accelerators such as cyclotrons or synchrotrons.
• the core bundle may, at the moment of its generation, have a diameter of between 10 "8 and 10 " 'm, for example between 10 "6 and 10 " s m, for example between 5.10 "4 and 5.10 " 3 m .
• beam diameter is meant the largest dimension of said beam in cross-section.
• the core beam may have a core flux of between 10 and 10 nuclei / sec.
• At least 50%, for example at least 75%, for example substantially all the nuclei constituting the core bundle may have an energy of between 1 and 10 7 eV, for example between 1 and 10 6 eV, for example between 1 and 10 4 eV.
• the nucleus beam can be emitted continuously.
• the nucleus beam can be pulsed.
• pulses By “pulsed beam”, it should be understood that the beam is emitted in the form of pulses of duration for example less than or equal to 0 "3 s, for example 1 ⁇ ,, for example to 1 ns, for example lower or equal to 10-11 seconds.
• the pulses may for example have a duration of between 10 2 and
• a pulsed beam can in particular make it possible to limit the disturbing interactions between the particles constituting the beams and the particles generated during the collision step.
• the time separating two successive pulses may for example be less than or equal to 1 ms, for example 1 ⁇ , for example less than or equal to 1 ns.
• the number of nuclei emitted per pulse may for example be between 10 -2 and 10 17 nuclei / pulse.
• the processes for generating nuclei according to the invention may comprise, before step a), a step of generating the first and second core bundles.
• the processes for generating nuclei according to the invention may comprise, before step a), a step of generating the atomic particle beam.
• the characteristics described above relating to the core beam may be applicable to the atomic particle beam.
• the atomic particles may for example be produced by all the ionization and atom beam creation techniques known to those skilled in the art.
• Generation processes . of nuclei according to the invention may comprise, before step a), a step of generating the neutron beam.
• Neutrons obtained, for example during fission reactions, in nuclear power plant reactors can be used in the framework of the nucleus generation methods according to the invention.
• Neutrons obtained by the neutron generation processes described above can also be used in the context of the nucleus generation methods according to the invention.
• the neutron beam can have, at the time of generation, a diameter of 10 "8 10" 1 m, for example between 1CT 6 and 10 "1 m, for example between 5.1 G” 4 to 5.10 "3 m .
• beam diameter is meant the largest dimension of said beam in cross-section.
• the neutron beam can have a neutron flux of between 10 14 and 10 "neutrons / s.
• At least 50%, for example at least 75%, for example substantially all the neutrons constituting the neutron beam may have an energy of between 1 and 17 eV, for example between 1 and 10 6 eV, for example between 1 and 10 4 eV.
• the neutron beam can be emitted continuously.
• the neutron beam can be pulsed.
• pulsed beam it should be understood that the beam is emitted in the form of pulses of duration for example less than or equal to 10 -3 s, for example 1 ⁇ $, for example to 1 ns, for example lower or equal to 10 " ns.
• the pulses may for example have a duration between lG “i2 and 10 " .
• a pulsed beam can in particular make it possible to limit the disturbing interactions between the particles constituting the beams and the particles generated during the collision step.
• the duration separating two successive pulses may for example be less than or equal to 1 ms, for example 1 ⁇ $, for example to 1 ns.
• the number of neutrons emitted per pulse can for example be between 10 12 and 10 17 neutrons / pulse.
• the core beam generated by the core generation methods according to the invention can be continuously transmitted.
• the methods for generating cores according to the invention may include a step of adjusting the pulse duration of said beam.
• the step of adjusting the pulse duration of the core beam may comprise a step of adjusting the neutron beam pulse duration and / or a step of adjusting the pulse duration of the beam of nuclei intended for to be collided.
• the nuclei generated beam can be emitted in the form of pulses of duration for example less than or equal to 10 "3 sec, for example î ⁇ , for example, 1 ns, for example less than or equal to 10" "s.
• the kernel generation methods according to the invention may comprise a step of adjusting the stream of generated nuclei.
• the step of adjusting the flux of generated nuclei may include a step of adjusting the neutron flux of the neutron beam and / or a step of adjusting the flow of nuclei of the nucleus beam intended to be collided.
• the nucleus beam generated may have a core flux, for example between 10 14 and 23 nuclei / s. It is therefore possible, in the context of the present invention, to have bundles of cores whose flow and / or the duration of the pulses can be varied.
• the characteristics of the generated core bundles and the adjustment steps described above apply mutatis mutandis to the embodiments where the nuclei are generated by collision between a neutron and atomic particle beam or between a first and a second bundles of nuclei.
• the neutron generation processes according to the invention may comprise, before step a), a step of generating the electron beam for example from a thermionic or field effect electron source.
• the method of generating an electron beam from a thermionic source comprises a step of heating, for example by Joule effect, a conductive material.
• This heating step can remove electrons that were initially bonded to the conductive material.
• the torn electrons are then accelerated under an electric field to generate an electron beam.
• the conductive material may for example be selected from tungsten or lanthanum hexaboride (LaB 6 ).
• the method for generating an electron beam from a field effect source may comprise a step of applying a potential difference between a metal cathode, for example having a shaped end. tip, and an anode.
• the shape of the end of the metal cathode can allow getting to sound. adjacent to an electric field of intensity greater than 10 6 V / m, for example 5.10 6 V / m. Such electric fields can allow the removal of electrons from the material forming the cathode.
• the electron sources may include in their breast, any type of electron accelerators used as linear or linear accelerators, circular accelerators such as cyclotrons or synchrotrons. Characteristics of the electron beam
• the diameter of the electron beam, at the moment of its generation, can be between 10 "8 and 10 " 1 m, for example between 10 "6 and 10 " 1 m, for example between 5.10 "4 and 5.10 " 3 m .
• the electron beam can for example have an electron flux of between 10 1 and 10 23 electrons / s.
• At least 50%, for example at least 75%, for example substantially all the electrons constituting the electron beam may have an energy of between 1 and 10 7 eV, for example between 1 and 10 6 eV, for example between 1 and 10 4 eV.
• the electron beam can be emitted continuously.
• the electron beam can be pulsed.
• the electron beam can be emitted in the form of pulses of duration for example less than or equal to 10 " s, for example at 1 ⁇ $, for example at 1 ns, for example less than or equal to 10 " "s.
• the pulses can for example have a duration for example between 10 "I2 and 10 " 6 s.
• the duration separating two successive pulses may for example be less than or equal to 1 ms, for example 1 ⁇ $, for example less than or equal to 1 ns.
• the number of electrons emitted per pulse may for example be between 10 and 10 electrons / pulse.
• the neutron beam generated by the neutron generation methods according to the invention can be continuously emitted.
• the neutron generation methods according to the invention may comprise a step of adjusting the pulse duration of said beam.
• the step of adjusting the pulse duration of the neutron beam may include a step of adjusting the electron beam pulse duration and / or a step of adjusting the pulse duration of the core beam.
• the neutron beam generated may be transmitted as pulses of length for example less than or equal to 10 "3 sec, for example 1 ⁇ , for example 1 ns, for example less than or equal to 10" n s.
• the neutron generation methods according to the invention may comprise a step of adjusting the generated neutron flux.
• the step of adjusting the neutron flux generated may comprise a step of adjusting the electron flux of the electron beam and / or a step of adjusting the flux of nuclei of the core beam.
• the neutron beam generated may have a neutron flux, for example between 10 14 and 10 23 neutrons / s.
• the neutron generation processes according to the invention may comprise, before the collision step, a step of placing the bundles of cores and electrons in an interferential state.
• the methods of generating nuclei according to the invention may comprise, before the collision step, a step of placing the nucleic and neutron beams in an interference state.
• the kernel generation methods according to the invention may comprise, before the collision step, a step of placing the first and second bundles of kernels intended to collide in an interference state.
• beam placed in an interference state it should be understood that the particles, which by their quantum nature are associated with waves, constituting the beam interfering with each other thus forming, within the beam itself, at least one zone of constructive interferences and at least one zone of destructive interference.
• the particle beams can be put into a state of spatial interference.
• the constructive interference zones correspond to zones of high probability of detection of the particles and the zones of destructive interference correspond to zones of low probability of detection of the particles.
• a beam of particles placed in a state of spatial interference can in particular be obtained by crossing at least one interferometric device.
• the particle beams may notably not be in a state of spinor interference.
• the means for putting the particle beams in an interference state may in particular be different from the action of an electromagnetic field. Neutron generation processes
• the width of the zones of constructive and destructive interference can be less than or equal to 10 "1 ⁇ m, for example 10" 13 m, for example 10 "14 m, for example at 10 i 5 m.
• the zones of constructive interference of the bundles of cores and electrons, placed in an interference state may overlap at least partially, for example substantially completely, during the collision step.
• At least 50%, for example at least 75%, for example substantially all the volumes of the respective constructive interference zones of the bundles of cores and electrons, placed in an interference state, can overlap during the first time. collision stage.
• the width of the zones of constructive and destructive interference can be less than or equal to 10 "10 m, for example at 10" m, for example 10 "l4 m for example at 10-15 m.
• the constructive interfering zones of the beams of novals and neutrons, placed in an interference state may overlap at least partially, for example substantially completely, during the collision step.
• At least 50%, for example at least 75%, for example substantially all the volumes of the respective constructive interfering zones of the cores and neutrons beams, placed in an interference state, can overlap at the same time. collision stage.
• the theory relating to the wave / particle duality of the particles involved predicts that the particles constituting the beam placed in a state of spatial interferences may have a higher probability of detection in the zones of constructive interference than in the zones of destructive interference.
• the overlapping of the respective constructive interfering zones of the beams, each previously placed in an interference state, can lead to overlapping of the zones of maximum probability of detection of the particles and can therefore to increase the probability of collision of the particles constituting the two beams.
• said neutron beams put, before the collision, in an interference state may for example have the characteristics described above for beams of neutrons. nuclei and neutrons.
• the step of placing the bundles of cores and electrons in an interference state may comprise at least:
• the first and second interferometric devices may be the same or different.
• the beam of nuclei and / or electrons may undergo, during the step of crossing its interferometric device, at least one, for example at least two, for example at least three successive diffractions.
• the first and / or second interferometer device (s) may comprise a set of at least four, for example at least five, for example at least six diffraction gratings.
• the diffraction gratings may be transmission networks.
• the diffraction gratings may comprise silicon monocrystals.
• Interferometric devices that can be used in the context of the present invention are for example described in "Neutron Interferometry", H. Rauch, ISBN: 78-3-540-70622-9.
• the step of placing the bundles of cores and electrons in an interference state may further include a step of traversing at least one monochromator by at least one of said beams.
• the step of passing through said at least one monochromator can take place before the step of crossing the interferometric device.
• each of said beams may not pass through a monochromator.
• said beams it is possible for said beams to be polychromatic.
• the step of placing the bundles of cores and electrons in an interferential state may further include a step of passing at least one collimator through at least one of each of said beams, for example.
• the core collimators which can be used in the context of the present invention may for example comprise, for example, copper or graphite.
• the step of crossing a collimator may take place after the step of crossing the interferometric device and may allow to obtain a single beam from a plurality of incident beams.
• each of said beams may not pass through a collimator. It is possible, for example, to use interferometric devices with spherical symmetry where the emerging beams can converge towards the same point.
• the step in a state interférentieî beams of ⁇ . nuclei and electrons may comprise a step of maintaining the interference states of said beams.
• This step of maintaining the interference states may for example comprise a step of optical confinement of the bundles of cores and electrons, which may for example be carried out using one or more lasers.
• the neutron beams may undergo a step of crossing at least one collimator. It is then possible, for example, to use as collimators stacks of polyethylene films or monocrystalline Si films coated with S0 B or Gd.
• the step of placing the core and neutron beams in an interferential state may comprise at least: a step of crossing, by the beam of cores, a first interferometric device able to put said core of cores in an interference state, and
• the characteristics of the interferometric devices used for interfering with the bundles of cores and electrons can be applied to interferometric devices for the interference state of the nuclei and neutrons bundles intended to collide in the interferential state. methods of generating nuclei according to the invention.
• the step of placing the core and neutron beams in an interference state may further include a step of traversing at least one monochromator by at least one of said beams.
• the step of passing through said at least one monochromator can take place before the step of crossing the interferometric device.
• each of said beams may not pass through a monochromator.
• said beams it is possible for said beams to be polychromatic.
• the step of placing the core and neutron beams in an interference state may further include a step of passing at least one collimator through at least one of each of said beams, for example.
• the core collimators which can be used in the context of the present invention may for example comprise, for example, copper or graphite.
• the step of crossing a collimator can take place after the crossing step of the interferometric device and can make it possible to obtain a single beam from a plurality of incident beams.
• each of said beams may not pass through a collimator. It is, for example, it is possible to use interferometric devices with spherical symmetry where the emerging beams can converge towards the same point.
• the methods according to the invention may comprise, before the collision step, a step of placing the first and second core beams in an interference state.
• These first and second bundles of cores placed in an interference state may for example have the characteristics described above for the bundles of cores and neutrons placed in an interference state.
• first and second bundles of cores can undergo the steps described above for the bundles of cores, crossing of interferometric device (s) and possibly crossing mono chromatrix ( s) and collimator (s).
• said beams may for example undergo the steps, described above, crossing devices) interferometric (s) and possibly crossing monochromator (s) ).
• the interferential states obtained can be maintained for example by optical confinement using one or more lasers.
• the step of placing in a defined spin state of the bundles of cores and electrons may comprise at least one step of applying at least:
• a first magnetic field configured to put the spin of the nuclei in a defined state, having a static component in the intensity time between
• a second magnetic field configured to put the electron spins in a defined state, having a static component in the intensity time of between 0.1 and 20 T and / or a non-zero gradient on the axis of the collision .
• the step of setting in a defined spin state beams of nuclei and neutrons or beams of atomic particles and neutrons may comprise at least one step of applying at least:
• a first magnetic field configured to put the spin of nuclei or atomic particles in a defined state, having a static intensity component of between 0.5 and 45 T and / or a non-zero gradient on the collision axis , and
• a second magnetic field configured to put the neutron spins in a defined state, having a static intensity component of between 0.5 and 45 T and / or a non-zero gradient on the collision axis.
• the first and second magnetic fields may be the same or different.
• the first and second magnetic fields may be generated by the same source or by separate sources.
• At least one, for example each, of the first and second magnetic fields may be static.
• At least one, for example each, of the first and second magnetic fields may comprise a static component and a non-zero variable component.
• the static component of the first, respectively second, magnetic field may make it possible to put the beam of nuclei or electrons in a defined spin state.
• the static component of the first or second magnetic field can make it possible to set the beam of nuclei or neutrons in a defined spin state.
• the static component of the first magnetic field may for example have: an intensity of between 1 T and 20 T.
• the static component of the second magnetic field may for example have an intensity of between 1 T and 20 T.
• Static components suitable for the invention may be generated by superconducting coils, resistive coils or "hybrid" coils having a resistive coil and a superconducting coil.
• the first and second magnetic fields may have different variable components.
• variable components of the first and second magnetic field (s) may for example be applied in the form of at least one photon beam.
• variable component may allow, for the particles involved, to increase the proportion of spins oriented in the direction of the static component in order to increase the probability of neutron or nucleus generation during the collision .
• the quantum theory provides that the application of at least one variable component having, for example, a frequency spectrum comprising at least one peak centered on a frequency equal to the spin resonant frequency may, for example, make it possible to induce transitions. between different energy levels.
• This resonance frequency corresponds to the frequency of precession of the spins around the static component, called Larmor precession. It then becomes possible for spins, for example oriented, before application of the variable component, in the opposite direction of the direction of application of the static component to absorb at least a portion of the energy of the applied variable component and to transit to an oriented state where said spins are aligned in the same direction as the static component.
• the variable component can be applied at the same time as the static component.
• Measuring the quantity of neutrons produced, deviated protons or the electrical potential created by the non-collision protons may, for example, allow an operator to have indicators on the need to apply the variable component.
• the field lines of the variable component may be, at the level of the particle beams, non-collinear with the field lines of the static component. They may, for example, form with them an angle greater than 10 °, for example greater than 45 °. In particular, the field lines of the variable component can form an angle between 85 and 95 ° with the field lines of the static component.
• variable component of the first magnetic field can be applied continuously.
• variable component of the first magnetic field may be applied in the form of pulses which the person skilled in the art will be able to determine the duration.
• the duration of the pulses may for example be between 0.1 and 100 ⁇ $, for example between 1 and 50 ⁇ $.
• variable component of the second magnetic field can be applied continuously.
• variable component of the second magnetic field may be applied in the form of pulses which one skilled in the art can determine the duration.
• the duration of the pulses may for example be between 0.1 and 100 ⁇ ..
• variable component of the first magnetic field may have a frequency spectrum comprising at least one peak centered on a frequency for example between 20 and 600 MHz, for example between 50 and 500 MHz, for example between 100 and 200 MHz.
• variable component of the second magnetic field may have a frequency spectrum comprising at least one peak centered on a frequency, for example between 10 and 200 GHz.
• variable component of the second magnetic field may have a frequency spectrum comprising at least one peak centered on a frequency, for example between 20 and 600 MHz, for example between 50 and 500 MHz, for example between 100 and 200 MHz;
• variable components of the first and second magnetic fields may be generated by resonant circuits, for example of the RLC type, comprising at least one resonance coil.
• the first and / or second magnetic field (s) may have a non-zero gradient on the axis of the collision.
• Quantum theory predicts that the application of a magnetic field with a nonzero gradient can allow to put in a defined state the spins and to align them collinearly with the field.
• the direction of the gradient may form a non-zero angle, for example greater than 45 °. for example substantially equal to 90 °, with the axis of the collision.
• the direction of the gradient forms a non-zero angle with the axis of the collision
• the direction of the gradient can form a substantially zero angle with collision tax.
• the first and / or second magnetic field (s) it is possible for the first and / or second magnetic field (s) to contain (s). each, in addition, a static component and a non-zero variable component. Said static and variable components may be as described above.
• first and / or second magnetic field (s) may have, on the axis of the collision, a non-zero intensity gradient and for example less than 20 T / m.
• the first and / or second magnetic field (s), having a non-zero gradient on the axis of the collision, can be applied continuously.
• the first and / or second magnetic field (s), having a non-zero gradient on the collision axis may be applied in the form of pulses.
• Magnetic field gradients suitable for the invention may for example be produced by two air gaps similar to those used in the Stern and Gerlach experiment or by a plurality of windings having different numbers of loops and / or different diameters. .
• Neutron generation methods according to the invention may comprise, before the collision stage, a deflection step 'of the electron beam.
• the deflection of the electron beam may make it possible not to position the sources of electrons and nuclei in opposite directions, thus reducing the damage to the electron source by the neutrons generated after collision between the bundles of nuclei and electrons. .
• the step of deflecting the electron beam may include a step of applying at least one magnetic field and / or at least one deflection electric field.
• the magnetic field of deflection can be static or not.
• the electric field of deflection can be static or not.
• the magnetic field of deviation may for example have an intensity of between 0.1 and 5 T, for example between 0.5 and 3 T.
• the magnetic field of deflection can be homogeneous or inhomogeneous.
• the electrical deflection field may be homogeneous or inhomogeneous.
• the neutron generation methods according to the invention may comprise a step of deflection of the nuclei which have not suffered a collision with the electrons.
• the methods for generating nuclei according to the invention may comprise a step of deflecting nuclei or atomic particles that have not undergone a collision with the neutrons.
• This deflection step of the nuclei or atomic particles may comprise a step of applying at least one magnetic field and / or at least one electrical deflection field.
• the source of neutrons can be damaged by the nuclei or atomic particles that have not suffered a collision.
• the deviation of these nuclei or of these atomic particles for example by means of a magnetic and / or electric field, may make it possible to limit, for example, eliminate this damage.
• the deflection of the nuclei which have not undergone a collision can still make it possible to limit the presence of these nuclei in the neutron beam produced in the case of the neutron generation methods according to the invention.
• the magnetic field of deflection can be static or not.
• the electric field of deflection can be static or not.
• the magnetic field of deviation may for example have an intensity of between 0.1 and 5 T, for example between 0.5 and 3 T.
• the magnetic field of deflection can be homogeneous or inhomogeneous.
• the electrical deflection field may be homogeneous or inhomogeneous.
• the magnetic and / or electrical deflection field may be able to deflect the nuclei that have not undergone. of collision.
• the neutron generation processes according to the invention may comprise, after the collision step, a step of maintaining the spin state of the neutrons generated.
• This holding step may comprise a step of applying at least one holding magnetic field.
• the holding magnetic field can be static.
• the magnetic field of maintenance can be homogeneous.
• the holding magnetic field may have an intensity of between 0.5 and 45 T, for example between 1 and 20 T.
• the holding magnetic field can be obtained by superconducting coils, resistive coils or "hybrid” coils.
• Vacuum and temperature can take place in a chamber having a lower pressure for example or equal to 1 Pa, e.g. Î 0 "5 Pa.
• An enclosure having a low pressure makes it possible to limit the density of particles and can thus make it possible to limit the potential sources of disturbance of the beams.
• Such pressures may, for example, be obtained by the use of ionic vacuum pumps or by any other means considered by those skilled in the art to be suitable for the invention.
• the method according to the invention can take place in an enclosure having substantially no material other than the beams intended to collide.
• the thickness and nature of the material constituting the wall of the enclosure may be chosen so as to contain the radiation and particles produced after the collision step as well as the beams intended to be collided.
• the collider for generating neutrons according to the invention may comprise an output diaphragm.
• the output diaphragm may be a perforated disk so as to let the neutron beam pass.
• the output diaphragm may comprise, for example consist of one or more material (s) weakly absorbing neutrons.
• the exit diaphragm may comprise, for example, carbon, magnesium, lead, silica, zirconium or aluminum.
• the opening of the outlet diaphragm can be of any shape, for example circular, oval, elliptical or polygonal.
• the collision step can generate an energy release, for example in the form of heat.
• the heat produced, during. the collision step can for example be recovered by a heat exchanger in which circulates one or more coolant (s).
• FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a plurality of spins subjected to the action of a magnetic field capable of putting them in a defined spin state
• FIGS. 2a and 2b show diagrammatically, at two different times, an installation corresponding to an alternative embodiment of FIG. 2,
• FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a detail of FIG. 2,
• FIGS. 3a to 3c schematically illustrate variants of FIG. 3;
• FIG. 4 schematically represents another embodiment of a neutron generation installation according to the invention;
• FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the collision of the electron and core beams implemented in FIG. 4;
• FIG. 6 diagrammatically represents an exemplary embodiment of an interferometric device for obtaining a beam placed in an interference state
• FIG. 7 schematically shows an embodiment of a medical installation according to the invention.
• FIG. 8 schematically represents an example of a kernel generation installation according to the invention
• FIG. 9 schematically represents a detail of FIG.
• FIG. 9a schematically represents a variant of FIG. 9
• FIG. 10 diagrammatically represents another exemplary embodiment of a kernel generation installation according to the invention
• FIG. 11 schematically illustrates the collision of the corona and neutron beams implemented in FIG. 10, and
• FIG. 12 schematically shows an embodiment of a medical installation according to the invention.
• FIG. 1 is schematically illustrated a plurality of cores 1, for example intended to collide with a plurality of electrons, each having a spin SN subjected to the action of a magnetic field B able to put them in a state defined spin.
• the field Bo comprises a static component and a variable component and / or a non-zero gradient on the axis of the collision.
• the spins of the nuclei 1 are, under the action of the field Bo , aligned with Bo .
• the spins can, as shown, be of the same meaning with Bo.
• the spins of a plurality electrons subjected to the action of a magnetic field capable of putting them in a defined spin state will also be aligned with said magnetic field. These spins may also be in the same direction with said magnetic field.
• the spins of a plurality of neutrons subjected to the action of a magnetic field capable of putting them in a defined spin state will also be aligned with said magnetic field.
• These spins may, in addition, be of the same direction with said magnetic field.
• Figure 2 is shown an electron beam 2 generated by an electron source and a core beam 1 generated by a source of nuclei.
• the generated electron and nucleus beams are each passed through a diaphragm 100 disposed after the exit of their respective source.
• a first magnetic field B 0 configured for setting into a defined spin state of the core beam 1, having a static component and a variable component and / or a non-zero gradient on the collision axis is applied.
• the electron beam 2 undergoes a second magnetic field B 1 ⁇ configured to put in a defined spin state of the electron beam 2, which comprises a static component and a variable component and / or a non-zero gradient on the axis of the collision.
• the electron beam 2 is then deflected by a magnetic deflection field B 2 .
• a magnetic deflection field B 2 the electron beam could be deflected by an electric deflection field or by the combination of an electric field and a magnetic deflection field.
• the bundles of cores 1 and of electrons 2 form, at the output of their respective sources, an angle at which is represented, in FIG. 2, as being substantially equal to 90 °. More generally, the angle a may be between 0 and 180 °.
• a is greater than or equal to 90 °, it may be preferable to apply a magnetic and / or electrical deflection field so as to bring, during the collision step, the beam of nuclei 1 and electrons 2 in a direction of movement substantially opposite.
• a is less than 90 °, it may be preferable to apply a magnetic and / or electrical deflection field so as to bring, during the collision step, the beam of nuclei 1 and electrons 2 in a substantially identical direction of movement.
• the first and second magnetic fields are generated by unrepresented coils.
• the collision between the nucleus beam 1 and the electron beam 2 takes place in an enclosure 30 comprising a wall 10 and causes the generation of neutrons 3. It can be seen that, during the collision step, the nucleus beam 1 and electrons 2 have a substantially opposite direction of movement.
• the generated neutrons 3 can be passed through a diaphragm 100.
• the generated neutrons 3 can be maintained in a spin state defined by the holding magnetic field B3, for example created by a coil 20.
• FIG 3 are illustrated the spin states of nuclei 1 and electrons 2 just before their collision.
• the electron spins S E and the spins of the cores S may, during the collision step, be aligned in the same direction.
• the spins of the nuclei 1 and the electrons 2 respectively can be collinear with the velocity vectors of the nuclei 1 and the electrons 2 respectively during the collision step.
• FIG. 3a shows an alternative embodiment of FIG. 3 where the second magnetic field is identical to the first magnetic field BQ and is a field static. It can be seen that the spins are set in a defined state but are not all aligned in the field direction.
• FIG. 3b shows an alternative embodiment of FIG. 3, in which the bundles of cores 1 and electrons 2 have substantially identical directions of movement during the collision step.
• the angle ⁇ between the bundles of cores 1 and electrons 2 at the output of their respective source may, for example, be less than 90 °.
• the spin of the nucleus 1 respectively of the electron 2 and the speed vector of the nucleus 1 respectively of the electron 2 can be collinear and have the same sense during the collision step.
• FIG. 3c shows an alternative embodiment in which a core 1 that has not undergone a collision is deflected by the magnetic deflection field B
• B may be replaced by an electrical deflection field or by the combination of a magnetic field and an electrical deflection field.
• the sources of nuclei and electrons are shown in FIG. 2a as being facing each other, respectively generating a beam of cores 1 and an electron beam 2, each having substantially the same direction and an opposite direction of movement. .
• a first magnetic field Bo identical to the second magnetic field, for putting the beams of nuclei 1 and electrons 2 in a defined spin state, is applied in the chamber 30.
• Figure 2b is shown the evolution of the system of Figure 2a after the collision step, where a neutron beam 3 is generated substantially in the direction of the electron source.
• the electron source 2 is, as illustrated, chosen so as to limit the interactions and therefore the damage produced by the neutron beam 3.
• the beams of cores 1 and of electrons 2 are, before the collision, placed in an interference state.
• the electron beam 2 is further deviated by the action of a magnetic deflection field B 2 .
• a neutron beam 3 is generated after collision between the electron beam and the nucleus beam.
• FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the collision of the beams of cores 1 and of electrons 2 each placed in a state of spatial interference.
• the areas Constructive interference devices 40 within the core beam 1 are illustrated as substantially covering all of the constructive interference zones 50 present within the electron beam 2 set in a state of spatial interference.
• FIG. 5 further illustrates the overlap of the respective destructive interference zones of the two beams 41 and 51.
• FIG. 6 shows an interferometric device 300 for placing a beam of incident particles in an interference state comprising a succession of transmission diffraction gratings 200.
• the beams of particles emerging from the diffraction gratings 200 then pass through a collimator making it possible to generate only one beam.
• the medical installation shown in Figure 7 is used for the destruction of cancer cells by neutron beam.
• This installation comprises a patient positioning means, to be treated P and a collider according to the invention, at the output of which is placed an irradiation head 400 ' allowing irradiation of the patient P with the generated neutron beam by the collectors according to the invention.
• FIG. 8 is shown a nucleus beam 1 generated by a source of nuclei and a neutron beam 3 generated by a neutron source. What will be described below relative to the nuclei 1, put in a defined spin state, may be applicable to the atomic particles.
• the beams of neutrons 3 and nuclei 1 generated are each caused to pass through a diaphragm 100 disposed after the exit of their respective source.
• a first magnetic field Bo comprising a static component and a variable component and / or an undissolved gradient on the collision axis, configured for setting into a defined spin state of the core beam 1, is applied.
• the neutron beam 3 undergoes a second magnetic field B 1 , configured for setting the neutron beam 3 in a defined spin state, which comprises a static component and a variable component and / or a non-zero gradient on the axis of the neutron beam. collision.
• the first and second magnetic fields are generated by one or more coil (s) 80.
• the collision between the cores of beam 1 and the neutron beam 3 takes place in an enclosure 30 having a wall 10 and causes the generation of cores 1 and a heat release.
• the heat produced during the collision is recovered by a heat exchanger 60 in which circulates a coolant 70.
• Particles that have not been collided and / or produced during the collision are removed by the vacuum pump.
• Figure 9 are illustrated the spin states of nuclei 1 and neutrons 3 just before their collision.
• the neutron spins S u and the spins of the nuclei SN can, during the collision step, be aligned in the same direction.
• the spins of nuclei 1 and neutrons 3 respectively can be collinear with the velocity vectors of nuclei 1 and neutrons 3 respectively during the collision step.
• Figure 9a is shown an alternative embodiment of Figure 9 where the second magnetic field is identical to the first magnetic field Bo and is a static field. It can be seen that the spins are set in a defined state but are not all aligned in the field direction.
• the beams of cores 1 and neutrons 3 are, before the collision, placed in an interference state. What's going? described below for the neutron beams 3, placed in an interference state, may be applicable to a second core beam 3.
• Figure 1 1 is schematically illustrated the collision of the beams of nuclei 1 and neutrons 3 each placed in an interference state.
• the constructive interference zones 40 within the core beam 1 are illustrated as substantially covering all of the constructive interference zones 500 present within the neutron beam 3 placed in an interference state.
• FIG. 1 illustrates, in addition, the overlap of the respective destructive interference zones of the two beams 41 and 510.
• the medical facility shown in Figure 12 is used for the destruction of cancer cells by nuclei.
• This installation comprises a means for positioning a patient to be treated P and a collider according to the invention, at the output of which is placed an irradiation head 400 allowing irradiation of the patient P with the nucleus beam generated by the colliders according to the invention.
• the expression "bearing (s)” must be understood as "containing at least one".

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