Novel Non-Destructive Identification of Nuclear Materials with an Ultra-Intense Laser Based Radiation Source
Abstract
A proposed technique for generating an intense point source of neutrons using an ultra-intense laser was investigated. The technique rested upon the successful generation of intense beams of deuterium ions from the rear of a thin target struck by laser of intensities on the order of 10^18 W/cm^2. An apparatus for the production of thin layers of heavy water ice on the back of the targets was conceived, designed and successfully demonstrated. The fast deuterium ion beam was made to strike a second target of Lithium, whereupon a large number (>10^8) of fast neutrons per laser shot were observed. Calculations combined with experimental results show that it is feasible, using current laser technology, to construct a portable, point source of high energy neutrons with a total yield of more than 10^12 neutrons/s.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 07, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1057408
Entities
People
- Richard Freeman
Organizations
- Ohio State University