Efficient neutron production from sub-nanosecond laser pulse accelerating deuterons on target front side

• DOI: 10.1063/1.4931460
• Publication Date: 2015-09-23T17:00:57Z
• Authors: D. Klir; J. Krasa; J. Cikhardt; R. Dudzak; E. Krousky; M. Pfeifer; K. Rezac; O. Sila; J. Skala; J. Ullschmied; A. Velyhan
• Keywords: Nanosecond

Neutron-producing experiments have been carried out on the Prague Asterix Laser System. At fundamental wavelength of 1.315 μm, laser pulse a 600 J energy and 300 ps duration was focused thick deuterated-polyethylene target. Neutron yields reached (4.1 ± 0.8) × 108 at peak intensity ≈3 1016 W/cm2. A more detailed analysis neutron time-of-flight signals showed that significant fraction produced both by 2H(d,n)3He reaction other neutron-producing reactions. energies together with delayed gamma emission MeV deuterons escaped from laser-produced plasma interacted ≈50 ns later borosilicate blast-shield glass. In order to increase DD characterize deuteron beams via nuclear reactions, secondary deuterated polyethylene target used in pitcher-catcher scheme front side. this experimental arrangement, yield (2.0 0.5) 109 fluence (2.5 n/sr. From yield, it calculated bombarded 2 1014 0.5–2.0 range. The implied production efficiency 3 106 n/J. very important result is efficient achieved low contrast, sub-nanosecond latter parameters can be rep-rate mode easily than ultra-high intensities contrasts.