Proof-of-principle experiment for laser-driven cold neutron source

Abstract

The scientific and technical advances continue to support novel discoveries by allowing scientists to acquire new insights into the structure and properties of matter using new tools and sources. Notably, neutrons are among the most valuable sources in providing such a capability. At the Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka, the first steps are taken towards the development of a table-top laser-driven neutron source, capable of producing a wide range of energies with high brightness and temporal resolution. By employing a pure hydrogen moderator, maintained at cryogenic temperature, a cold neutron ($$\le 25\hbox { meV}$$ ≤ 25 meV ) flux of $$\sim 2\times 10^3\hbox { n/cm}^2$$ ∼ 2 × 10 3 n/cm 2 /pulse was measured at the proximity of the moderator exit surface. The beam duration of hundreds of ns to tens of $$\upmu \hbox {s}$$ μ s is evaluated for neutron energies ranging from 100s keV down to meV via Monte-Carlo techniques. Presently, with the upcoming J-EPoCH high repetition rate laser at Osaka University, a cold neutron flux in orders of $$\sim 1\times 10^{9}\hbox { n/cm}^2/\hbox {s}$$ ∼ 1 × 10 9 n/cm 2 / s is expected to be delivered at the moderator in a compact beamline.

Demonstration of non-destructive and isotope-sensitive material analysis using a short-pulsed laser-driven epi-thermal neutron source

“…A comparison of the our LDNS with previous work shows the importance of moderator optimization. Mirfayzi et al 14 , 17 recently reported a fast neutron flux of 1.7 ⋅ 10 9 n/sr/shot, which is similar to our LDNS, and a thermal and epithermal flux of 3 ⋅ 10 6 n/sr/shot, which corresponds to a moderation efficiency of 0.2%. With the optimized moderator, we achieved a moderation efficiency of 2.5% with an average fast flux of (1.6 ± 0.4) ⋅ 10 9 n/sr/shot and a thermal and epithermal flux of (4 ± 1) ⋅ 10 7 n/sr/shot.…”

2.5‐MeV neutron source controlled by high‐intensity pulsed laser generating plasma

“…Considering such flight distances, the two peaks of detected neutrons both correspond to the detection of neutrons of about 2.45 MeV, as expected by the 2 D(d, n) 3 He fusion reactions in the two catcher targets.…”

“…Among the many applications of laser-generated plasma, that to produce neutrons using compact lasers is becoming a reliable possibility. [3] Actual portable neutron sources are mainly based on the use of radioactive sources such as 241 Am/Be, 252 Cf, 241 Am/B, which permit the generation of neutrons with fluxes of the order of 10 8 -10 9 n/s. [4] The availability of radioisotope sources is limited compared to other neutron sources because of their limited half-life: for example, of about 2.6 years for the 252 Cf source.…”

Non-destructive inspection of water or high-pressure hydrogen gas in metal pipes by the flash of neutrons and x rays generated by laser

“…6 Neutrons have already been applied in wide areas of research because of their charge neutrality and high transmittance to most substance. Laser-driven neutron sources (LDNSs) [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] are compact sources realized by high-power lasers. LDNSs based on laser-ion acceleration include two targets.…”