Generating keV ion distributions for nuclear reactions at near solid-density using intense short-pulse lasers
Abstract
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.
- Publication Date:
- Research Org.:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Org.:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)
- OSTI Identifier:
- 1580680
- Report Number(s):
- LLNL-JRNL-753473
Journal ID: ISSN 2041-1723; 939839; TRN: US2101993
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC52-07NA27344
- Resource Type:
- Accepted Manuscript
- Journal Name:
- Nature Communications
- Additional Journal Information:
- Journal Volume: 10; Journal Issue: 1; Journal ID: ISSN 2041-1723
- Publisher:
- Nature Publishing Group
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
Citation Formats
Kemp, A. J., Wilks, S. C., Hartouni, E. P., and Grim, G. Generating keV ion distributions for nuclear reactions at near solid-density using intense short-pulse lasers. United States: N. p., 2019.
Web. doi:10.1038/s41467-019-12076-x.
Kemp, A. J., Wilks, S. C., Hartouni, E. P., & Grim, G. Generating keV ion distributions for nuclear reactions at near solid-density using intense short-pulse lasers. United States. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-12076-x
Kemp, A. J., Wilks, S. C., Hartouni, E. P., and Grim, G. Fri .
"Generating keV ion distributions for nuclear reactions at near solid-density using intense short-pulse lasers". United States. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-12076-x. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1580680.
@article{osti_1580680,
title = {Generating keV ion distributions for nuclear reactions at near solid-density using intense short-pulse lasers},
author = {Kemp, A. J. and Wilks, S. C. and Hartouni, E. P. and Grim, G.},
abstractNote = {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.},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-019-12076-x},
journal = {Nature Communications},
number = 1,
volume = 10,
place = {United States},
year = {2019},
month = {9}
}
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