Short-Pulse Laser-Driven Moderated Neutron Source

Neutron production with laser-driven neutron sources was demonstrated. We outline the basics of laser-driven neutron sources, highlight some fundamental advantages, and quantitatively compare the neutron production at the TRIDENT laser sources with the well-established LANSCE pulsed neutron spallation source. Ongoing efforts by our team to continue development of these sources, in particular the LANSCE-ina-box instrument, are described. The promise of ultra-intense lasers as drivers for brilliant, compact, and highly efficient particle accelerators portends driving next-generation neutron sources, potentially replacing in some cases much larger conventional accelerators

Short-Pulse Laser-Driven Moderated Neutron Source

Neutron production with laser-driven neutron sources was demonstrated. We outline the basics of laser-driven neutron sources, highlight some fundamental advantages, and quantitatively compare the neutron production at the TRIDENT laser sources with the well-established LANSCE pulsed neutron spallation source. Ongoing efforts by our team to continue development of these sources, in particular the LANSCE-ina-box instrument, are described. The promise of ultra-intense lasers as drivers for brilliant, compact, and highly efficient particle accelerators portends driving next-generation neutron sources, potentially replacing in some cases much larger conventional accelerators

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

Neutrons are a valuable tool for non-destructive material investigation as their interaction cross sections with matter are isotope sensitive and can be used complementary to x-rays. So far, most neutron applications have been limited to large-scale facilities such as nuclear research reactors, spallation sources, and accelerator-driven neutron sources. Here we show the design and optimization of a laser-driven neutron source in the epi-thermal and thermal energy range, which is used for non-invasive material analysis. Neutron resonance spectroscopy, neutron radiography, and neutron resonance imaging with moderated neutrons are demonstrated for investigating samples in terms of isotope composition and thickness. The experimental results encourage applications in non-destructive and isotope-sensitive material analysis and pave the way for compact laser-driven neutron sources with high application potential

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

Neutrons are a valuable tool for non-destructive material investigation as their interaction cross sections with matter are isotope sensitive and can be used complementary to x-rays. So far, most neutron applications have been limited to large-scale facilities such as nuclear research reactors, spallation sources, and accelerator-driven neutron sources. Here we show the design and optimization of a laser-driven neutron source in the epi-thermal and thermal energy range, which is used for non-invasive material analysis. Neutron resonance spectroscopy, neutron radiography, and neutron resonance imaging with moderated neutrons are demonstrated for investigating samples in terms of isotope composition and thickness. The experimental results encourage applications in non-destructive and isotope-sensitive material analysis and pave the way for compact laser-driven neutron sources with high application potential