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

A. J. Kemp (), S. C. Wilks, E. P. Hartouni and G. Grim
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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

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12076-x

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