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The University of Illinois inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) device provides 10 7 2.5 MeV D-D neutrons/second when operated with a steady-state deuterium discharge at 70 kV [1]. Being compact and lightweight, the IEC potentially represents an attractive portable neutron source for activation analysis applications [2]. The plasma discharge in the IEC is unique, using a spherical grid in a spherical vacuum vessel with the discharge formed between the grid and the vessel wall, while the 070 kV grid (cathode) also serves to extract high-energy ions. Two key features of the IEC discharge are discussed: 1) the breakdown voltage characteristics as a function of pressure-grid/wall distance (pd pd pd), and 2) the formation of ion "microchannels" that carry the main ion flow through grid openings.

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