A combined MeV-neutron and x-ray source for the National Ignition Facility

Hohenberger, M.; Kerr, S.; Yeamans, C.; Rusby, D.; Meaney, K. D.; Hahn, K.; Heredia, R.; Sarginson, T.; Blue, B.; Mackinnon, A. J.; Hsing, W. W.

doi:10.1063/5.0101816

DOE OSTI · 1902011

A combined MeV-neutron and x-ray source for the National Ignition Facility

Hohenberger, M.·Kerr, S.·Yeamans, C.·Rusby, D.·Meaney, K. D.·Hahn, K.·Heredia, R.·Sarginson, T.·Blue, B.·Mackinnon, A. J.·Hsing, W. W.

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Abstract

We report that in support of future radiation-effects testing, a combined environment source has been developed for the National Ignition Facility (NIF), utilizing both NIF’s long-pulse beams, and the Advanced Radiographic Capability (ARC) short pulse lasers. First, ARC was used to illuminate a gold foil at high-intensity, generating a significant x-ray signal > 1 MeV. This was followed by NIF 10 ns later to implode an exploding pusher target filled with fusionable gas for neutron generation. The neutron and x-ray bursts were incident onto a retrievable, close-standoff diagnostic snout. With separate control over both neutron and x-ray emission, the platform allows for tailored photon and neutron fluences and timing on a recoverable test sample. The platform exceeded its initial fluence goals, demonstrating a neutron fluence of 2.3 ×10 13 n/cm 2 and an x-ray dose of 7 krad.

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70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY deuterium gamma rays lasers neutron emission neutron fluence neutron sources nuclear fusion physical radiation effects radiography x-ray bursts

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Hohenberger, M., Kerr, S., Yeamans, C., Rusby, D., Meaney, K. D., Hahn, K., Heredia, R., Sarginson, T., Blue, B., Mackinnon, A. J., Hsing, W. W.. 2022-10-06. A combined MeV-neutron and x-ray source for the National Ignition Facility. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0101816

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