Advanced Compton scattering light source R&D at LLNL

Conference · Tue Feb 16 00:00:00 EST 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1364/UP.2010.ThE29· OSTI ID:985482

Albert, F; Anderson, S G; Anderson, G; Betts, S M; Chu, T S; Gibson, D J; Marsh, R A; Messerly, M; Shverdin, M Y; Wu, S; Hartemann, F V; Siders, C W; Barty, C P

We report the design and current status of a monoenergetic laser-based Compton scattering 0.5-2.5 MeV {gamma}-ray source. Previous nuclear resonance fluorescence results and future linac and laser developments for the source are presented. At MeV photon energies relevant for nuclear processes, Compton scattering light sources are attractive because of their relative compactness and improved brightness above 100 keV, compared to typical 4th generation synchrotrons. Recent progress in accelerator physics and laser technology have enabled the development of a new class of tunable Mono-Energetic Gamma-Ray (MEGa-Ray) light sources based on Compton scattering between a high-brightness, relativistic electron beam and a high intensity laser pulse produced via chirped-pulse amplification (CPA). A new precision, tunable gamma-ray source driven by a compact, high-gradient X-band linac is currently under development and construction at LLNL. High-brightness, relativistic electron bunches produced by an X-band linac designed in collaboration with SLAC will interact with a Joule-class, 10 ps, diode-pumped CPA laser pulse to generate tunable {gamma}-rays in the 0.5-2.5 MeV photon energy range via Compton scattering. Based on the success of the previous Thomson-Radiated Extreme X-rays (T-REX) Compton scattering source at LLNL, the source will be used to excite nuclear resonance fluorescence lines in various isotopes; applications include homeland security, stockpile science and surveillance, nuclear fuel assay, and waste imaging and assay. After a brief presentation of successful nuclear resonance fluorescence (NRF) experiments done with T-REX, the new source design, key parameters, and current status are presented.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 985482
• Report Number(s): LLNL-CONF-424003; TRN: US1006151
• Resource Relation: Conference: Presented at: Ultrafast Phenomena, Snowmass, CO, United States, Jul 18 - Jul 23, 2010
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
ACCELERATORS
AMPLIFICATION
BRIGHTNESS
COMPTON EFFECT
ELECTRON BEAMS
ELECTRONS
ENERGY RANGE
LASERS
LIGHT SOURCES
LINEAR ACCELERATORS
NUCLEAR FUELS
PHOTONS
PHYSICS
RESONANCE FLUORESCENCE
SECURITY
STANFORD LINEAR ACCELERATOR CENTER
STOCKPILES
SYNCHROTRONS
WASTES