Investigation of Neutron Emissions from D(d,n)3He and T(d,n)4He Reactions in a 10 TW Picosecond Laser Facility SOKOL-P

Abstract

Experimental results on fast neutron generation in D(d,n)3He and T(d,n)4He reactions in the SOKOL‐P laser facility are presented. Solid targets were irradiated by 1.054 μm, s‐ or p‐polarized laser pulses of energy 5–8 J on target and duration 0.85–2 ps. The peak laser intensity was 0.5–2⋅1018 W/cm2. Flat deuterated plastic (CD2)n targets and TiD0.5T0.5 targets were used in experiments. Some experiments were carried out with additional targets placed in front of and behind the laser target. The used time‐of‐flight technique helped identify neutrons from D(d,n)3He and T(d,n)4He reactions. Yields up to 106 DD‐neutrons and 107 DT‐neutrons were measured. Interaction of the fast ion beam with the target can explain the observed yield.