Projects per year
Abstract
The most established route to create a laser-based neutron source is by employing laser accelerated, low atomic number ions in fusion reactions. In addition to benefiting from the high reaction cross-sections at moderate energies of the projectile ions, the anisotropy in the neutron emission is another important feature of beam-fusion reactions. Using a simple numerical model based on neutron generation in a pitcher-catcher scenario, anisotropy in the neutron emission was studied for the deuterium-deuterium fusion reaction. Simulation results are consistent with the narrow divergence ( 70 full width at half maximum) neutron beam recently obtained from an experiment employing multi-MeV deuteron beams of narrow divergence (upto 30 FWHM depending on the ion energy) accelerated by a subpetawatt laser pulse from thin deuterated plastic foils via the Target Normal Sheath Acceleration mechanism. By varying the input ion beam parameters, simulations show that a further improvement in the neutron beam directionality (i.e. reduction in the beam divergence) can be obtained by increasing the projectile ion beam temperature and cut-off energy, as expected from the interactions with higher power lasers at upcoming facilities.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 176-180 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment |
Volume | 829 |
Early online date | 14 May 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2016 |
Event | 2nd European Advanced Accelerator Concepts Workshop 2015 - Elba, Italy Duration: 13 Sept 2015 → 19 Sept 2015 Conference number: 2nd |
Keywords
- laser
- neutron
- beam fusion
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Dive into the research topics of 'Numerical study of neutron beam divergence in a beam-fusion scenario employing laser driven ions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
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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
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APPLICATION OF NEXT GENERATION ACCELERATORS (DTC)
Jaroszynski, D. (Principal Investigator)
EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council)
1/10/11 → 30/09/18
Project: Research - Studentship