Microstructure-Assisted Laser-Driven Photonuclear Pulsed Neutron Source

A scheme for a high-yield photonuclear pulsed neutron source is proposed by use of a relativistic femtosecond laser interacting with a microstructure target combined with a high-Z converter. By using three-dimensional particle-in-cell and Monte Carlo simulations, we find that bright gamma rays are emitted by bremsstrahlung radiation when energetic dense electron bunches pulled out from the microstructure target pass through the converter. A large number of neutrons are thus induced via photonuclear reactions. With a laser of intensity of approximately 3.4 x 10(21) W/cm(2) and energy of approximately 6.2 J, a neutron pulse of yield as high as 1.9 x 10(8) J(-1) and duration of approximately 45 ps can be obtained. This scheme could be realized in laboratories with current multipetawatt laser facilities.

Automated summary

This scheme proposes a high-yield photonuclear pulsed neutron source using a relativistic femtosecond laser interacting with a microstructure target combined with a high-Z converter. Bright gamma rays are emitted through bremsstrahlung radiation, inducing a large number of neutrons via photonuclear reactions. The scheme aims to achieve a high neutron pulse yield and short duration through current multipetawatt laser facilities in laboratories.