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Generating keV ion distributions for nuclear reactions at near solid-density using intense short-pulse lasers

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  • A. J. Kemp

    (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory)

  • S. C. Wilks

    (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory)

  • E. P. Hartouni

    (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory)

  • G. Grim

    (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory)

Abstract

Our understanding of a large range of astrophysical phenomena depends on a precise knowledge of charged particle nuclear reactions that occur at very low rates, which are difficult to measure under relevant plasma conditions. Here, we describe a method for generating dense plasmas at effective ion temperatures >20 keV, sufficient to induce measurable charged particle nuclear reactions. Our approach uses ultra-intense lasers to drive micron-sized, encapsulated nanofoam targets. Energetic electrons generated in the intense laser interaction pass through the foam, inducing a rapid expansion of the foam ions; this results in a hot, near-solid density plasma. We present the laser and target conditions necessary to achieve these conditions and illustrate the system performance using three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, outline potential applications and calculate expected nuclear reaction rates in the D(d,n) and 12C(p,γ) systems assuming CD, or CH aerogel foams.

Suggested Citation

  • A. J. Kemp & S. C. Wilks & E. P. Hartouni & G. Grim, 2019. "Generating keV ion distributions for nuclear reactions at near solid-density using intense short-pulse lasers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-12076-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12076-x
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