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

Kemp, A. J.; Wilks, S. C.; Hartouni, E. P.; Grim, G.

doi:10.1038/s41467-019-12076-x

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

Journal Article · 13 September 2019 · Nature Communications

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-12076-x · OSTI ID:1580680

Kemp, A. J. ^[1]; Wilks, S. C. ^[1]; Hartouni, E. P. ^[1];

^[1]

Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

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.

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Research Organization:: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) (SC-24)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC52-07NA27344

OSTI ID:: 1580680

Report Number(s):: LLNL-JRNL--753473; 939839

Journal Information:: Nature Communications, Journal Name: Nature Communications Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 10; ISSN 2041-1723

Publisher:: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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