Improved Gamma Bang Time Measurements on Omega and Implications for the National Ignition Facility
- Atomic Weapons Establishment
- University of Rochester
The time of peak fusion reactivity with respect to the impingement of laser light on an ICF capsule is known as Bang Time (BT). This is an essential parameter in the understanding of ICF implosions. Traditionally, BT has been determined through temporal measurements of 14 MeV fusion neutrons. Because the neutron energy spectrum is Doppler broadened, the detector must be positioned close to target-chamber center in order to minimize the neutron temporal spreading which can compromise such a measurement. Fusion gammas, on the other hand, are not subject to temporal spreading, making proximity of the detector to the source a lesser concern. However, the low branching ratio for DT fusion reactions producing gammas ({approx}1e-4) presents detector sensitivity challenges.
- Research Organization:
- National Security Technologies, LLC (NSTec), Mercury, NV (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- NNSA/NSO
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC52-06NA25946
- OSTI ID:
- 915224
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/NV/25946-194; TRN: US0804941
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Fifth International Conference on Inertial Fusion Sciences and Affplication, 09/09-09/14/2007
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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