High-intensity laser generated neutrons: A novel neutron source and new tool for plasma diagnostics

Within the framework of this thesis the generation of neutrons using ultrashort laser pulses with moderate pulse energy was investigated. On the one hand, the aim was directed towards the development of a neutron source, whose optimization naturally calls for a detailed understanding of the underlying neutron production processes. Since the highest neutron yields are achieved by nuclear reactions of laser-accelerated ions, the characterization of these ions is necessary, which was done mainly by neutron spectroscopy. Using this strategy, neutron yields of up to 10"8 neutrons/ laser shot were demonstrated in the experiments presented here. This is equivalent to a specific neutron yield of 10"7 per Joule of pulse energy. The scaling laws found in this context anticipate a further increase of the specific neutron yield with laser energy, which has recently been proven by a number of groups. (orig.)SIGLEAvailable from TIB Hannover: RN 5339(279) / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekDEGerman