An Apology

["Vernig, Peter G." <Peter.Vernig@MED.VA.GOV>]

I commented on Mr. Caceci's post, in part, as follows,



Marco Caceci wrote,



"I am led to believe that direct fusion devices (a.k.a.neutron bombs) are

free from the critical mass constrains of fission gadgets."



...The concept of the neutron bomb is to enhance neutron production so that

the reverse would be true.  Troops in hardened bunkers and tanks would be

tactical targets for N bombs.



I realized in talking with someone else the "neutron bomb" is an ill defined

or undefined thing.  All nuclear weapons produce neutrons in the fission

process.  All neutrons from a fission trigger are part of what initiates the

fusion in a fusion weapon.



To make a smaller fission weapon one would want more neutrons in order to

reduce the size of fissionable material needed.  So at some point in down

sizing a weapon, enhancing neutron production is going to be a method of

achieving that.  So in a sense any smaller weapon can be considered a

"neutron bomb".



I was thinking of it as a device where lethal effects of neutron radiation

extends out beyond the range where blast effects are liable to produce

casualties to moderately protected personnel.



I should know better than to get involved in these discussions.  I am sorry.



I am not aware of any direct fusion device as I said in earlier parts of my

response.



Any opinions expressed are mine alone and do not necessarily represent those

of the Denver VA Medical Center, The Department of Veterans Affairs, or the

U.S. Government.



Peter G. Vernig                

Radiation Safety Officer, VA Medical Center, 1055 Clermont St. Denver, CO

80220, ATTN; RSO MS 115

303-399-8020 ext. 2447, peter.vernig@med.va.gov [alternate for business -

vernig.peter@forum.va.gov; private - peter_vernig@hotmail.com] Fax

303-393-5026 [8 - 4:30 MT service] Alternate Fax 303-377-5686



"...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is

pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is found to be

excellent or praiseworthy, let your mind dwell on these things."    Paul



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