Neutron generators as Fusion reactor

Question

One way of generating neutrons is by fusing D-D or D with T. In neutron generators that work by acceleration D-ions into a solid matrix of e.g. metal and T or D (metal hydrides). Such generators can produce up to 10^8 neutrons per second. I'm wondering, could they be tweaked to even higher levels to eventually produce a net amount of energy? The best result for the polywell was for example 10^9 fusions/sec, not far off from 10^8 fusions/sec.

Answer 1

Neutron generators use a solid target, metal lattice filled with D2 or tritium, metal hydrides. The fusion reactions

D + T → n + 4He En = 14.1 MeV

D + D → n + 3He En = 2.5 MeV

happen within the lattice, most of the neutrons escape since they do not interact electromagnetically and generate the neutron source. There is no way a self sustaining reaction could exist within the lattice using the above energies so that the balance of (output energy -input energy ) could become positive and thus be an energy source.Interestingly there exist simpler neutron generators, patented and sold .In their own words:

IEC is the simplest way to achieve sustained nuclear fusion. While the possibility to scale the technology up to achieve more power output than input can be debated, there is no doubt that the technology provides a credible neutron generator without the disadvantages of a solid target.

Italics mine.

A hollow transparent grid cathode (-) is surrounded by anode (+) at ground potential. Applying a very high voltage to a low pressure gas will induce a glow discharge.

The positive ions (shown as red spot) are attracted to the cathode. Ideally an ion will be channeled by the electrostatic focusing to pass through the the cathode grid apertures. If there were to be no collisions with other ions and neutral particles the ion may oscillate.

In reality the low pressure gas-plasma is still very dense so that there will be collisions of various types. Despite such energy loss mechanisms sufficient ions do get accelerated to kinetic energy levels over ~ 15 keV where fusion collisions can occur. The greater the applied voltage on the glow discharge, the greater is the probability of a fusion collision.