Analysis of the neutron time-of-flight spectra from inertial confinement fusion experiments
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Univ. of Rochester, NY (United States). Lab. for Laser Energetics
Neutron time-of-flight diagnostics have long been used to characterize the neutron spectrum produced by inertial confinement fusion experiments. The primary diagnostic goals are to extract the d+t → n+α (DT) and d+d→ n+3He (DD) neutron yields and peak widths, and the amount DT scattering relative to its unscattered yield, also known as the down-scatter ratio (DSR). These quantities are used to infer yield weighted plasma conditions, such as ion temperature (Tion) and cold fuel areal density. We report on novel methodologies used to determine neutron yield, apparent Tion, and DSR. These methods invoke a single temperature, static fluid model to describe the neutron peaks from DD and DT reactions and a spline description of the DT spectrum to determine the DSR. Both measurements are performed using a forward modeling technique that includes corrections for line-of-sight attenuation and impulse response of the detection system. Lastly, these methods produce typical uncertainties for DT Tion of 250 eV, 7% for DSR, and 9% for the DT neutron yield. For the DD values, the uncertainties are 290 eV for Tion and 10% for the neutron yield.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC52-07NA27344
- OSTI ID:
- 1240967
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1225817; OSTI ID: 1341985
- Report Number(s):
- LLNL-JRNL-675169; LLNL-JRNL-686422; JAPIAU
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 118, Issue 18; ISSN 0021-8979
- Publisher:
- American Institute of Physics (AIP)Copyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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