Projects per year
Abstract
Highly anisotropic, beam-like neutron emission with peak flux of the order of109 n/sr was obtained from light nuclei reactions in a pitcher-catcher scenario, by employing MeV ions driven by sub-petawatt laser. The spatial prole of the neutron beam, fully captured for the first time by employing a CR39 nuclear track detector, shows a FWHM divergence angle of ∼70°, with a peak flux nearly an order of magnitude higher than the isotropic component elsewhere. The observed beamed flux of neutrons is highly favourable for a wide range of applications, and indeed for further transport and moderation to thermal energies. A systematic study employing various combinations of pitcher-catcher materials indicates the dominant reactions being d(p,n+p)1H and d(d,n)3He. Albeit in sufficient cross-section data are available for modelling, the observed anisotropy in the neutrons' spatial and spectral profiles are most likely related to the directionality and high energy of the projectile ions.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | New Journal of Physics |
Volume | 18 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 29 Apr 2016 |
Keywords
- neutron emission
- laser acceleration
- ion
- neutron
- laser
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Beamed neutron emission driven by laser accelerated light ions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
-
Advanced laser-ion acceleration strategies towards next generation healthcare
McKenna, P. (Principal Investigator)
EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council)
21/05/13 → 20/05/19
Project: Research
-
Multi-PetaWatt Laser-Plasma Interactions: A New Frontier in Physics
McKenna, P. (Fellow)
EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council)
1/03/12 → 28/02/17
Project: Research Fellowship