Laser-Driven Megavolt X-Ray and Neutron Source Optimization
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
This 4-month feasibility study assessed the options, trade-offs and major issues in using National Ignition Facility (NIF) and Advanced Radiographic Capability (ARC)-class laser beams for multipulse MeV x-ray and neutron radiography of high explosives (HE) driven experiments. It was performed in close collaboration with a second FS evaluating future HE radiography requirements and expected laser-based source data quality with respect to existing and alternate radiography sources. The study first reviewed the existing published data on MeV x-ray and neutron sources compared to requirements on yield (1014/sr for X-rays, > 1013/sr for neutrons), spot size (< 1 mm) and duration (< 20 ns). For MeV neutron sources, the preferred options are DTfilled exploding pusher targets or stagnating DT plasmas, each source requiring 50 kJ level. few ns beam irradiation at 0.5 or 0.35 micron wavelength. The preferred X-ray MeV source option to be fully assessed by a follow-up SI is an angularly and temporally-multiplexed multi-burst version of a Bremsstrahlung source (Courtois et al. 2011) irradiated by up to 7 10 ps, kJ-class 1 micron wavelength lasers beams. This multi-burst laser mode, submitted as an ROI and patent, should increase final laser optics damage energy thresholds based on 2 pulse tests and hence allow near full extraction of the 15 kJ of 1 micron laser energy available on a NIF beamline. Hydrodynamic simulations were used to evaluate the effects of preceding pulse irradiation on target integrity, and show that this can be mitigated by using 3D structured targets.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC52-07NA27344
- OSTI ID:
- 1480408
- Report Number(s):
- LLNL-TR-760082; 948554
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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