Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: Simulations of photoneutron generation are presented for the anticipated experimental campaign at ELI-ALPS using the under-commissioning e-SYLOS beamline. Photoneutron generation is a three-step process starting with the creation of a relativistic electron beam which is converted to gamma radiation, which in turn generates neutrons via the γ,n interaction in high-Z material. Electrons are accelerated to relativistic energies using the laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA) mechanism. The LWFA process is simulated with a three-dimensional particle in cell code to generate an electron bunch of 100s pC charge from a 100 mJ, 9 fs laser interaction with a helium gas jet target. The resultant electron spectrum is transported through a lead sphere with the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) code to convert electrons to gammas and gammas to neutrons in a single simulation. A neutron yield of 3×107 per shot over 4π is achieved, with a corresponding neutron yield per kW of 6×1011 n/s/kW. The paper concludes with a discussion on the attractiveness of LWFA-driven photoneutron generation on high impact, and societal applications.
Source: Photonics
Authors: Daniel Papp, Ales Necas, Nasr Hafz, Toshiki Tajima, Sydney Gales, Gerard Mourou, Gabor Szabo, Christos Kamperidis
Institutions: ELI-HU Research and Development Non-Profit, TAE Technologies, Inc (United States), University of Szeged, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris-Saclay, Institut National de Physique Nucléaire et de Physique des Particules, Laboratoire de Physique des 2 Infinis Irène Joliot-Curie, École Polytechnique
Language: English
Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,885
Award: G8550558420
OpenAlex ID: W4308333056