Observation of neutrons in the interaction of high intensity laser pulses with solid targets

Abstract

We report an experimental study on fusion neutron generation from deuterated polyethylene (CD2)n target irradiated by 400 mJ, 45 femtosecond laser pulses focused to an intensity >1018 W/cm2. The fusion neutron signal has been detected using a CR-39 detector, a bubble detector, and also confirmed by a neutron time of flight detector. In addition, substantial bremsstrahlung X-ray radiation of MeV energy was also observed. These MeV X-rays have been used to trigger (γ, n) reaction in Be and Cu targets and the resulting photo-neutrons were detected on a BF3 and a bubble detector. © Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2013.