A complementary compact laser based neutron source

TL;DR

This paper explores the development of a laser-based neutron source utilizing high-intensity laser techniques, aiming to establish a practical, complementary neutron source for applications like cultural heritage studies and large radiation facilities.

Contribution

It proposes a new approach combining TNSA and self-injection schemes for laser-based neutron generation, advancing towards a functional neutron source.

Findings

Feasibility of laser-based neutron source demonstrated

Potential applications in cultural heritage and radiation facilities identified

Integration of TNSA and self-injection schemes explored

Abstract

Several experiments of neutron generation using high intensity laser sources, with a power exceeding 10^19W/cm^2 via TNSA (Target Normal Sheath Acceleration) or other similar methods, have been performed in the past years in different laboratories. However, so far there is no one running neutron source based on such a technology. In the framework of the Conceptual Report Design of a new accelerator in the Eupraxia project we are studying the possibility to have a laser-based neutron source, not only by TNSA but also from self-injection schemes. We focus our attention on the applications in cultural heritage studies as well also on the complementary role that such a source can have in the framework of large facilities devoted to radiation production.