Measurements of D-D fusion neutrons generated in nanowire array laser plasma using Timepix3 detector

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the detection and measurement of D-D fusion neutrons produced in a laser plasma experiment using a Timepix3 detector with neutron converters, providing insights into neutron yields and detector suitability.

Contribution

First application of Timepix3 detector for neutron detection in laser plasma experiments with nanowire targets, enabling energy and time-of-flight measurements of fusion neutrons.

Findings

Detected approximately 2.4 x 10^7 neutrons per joule of laser energy.

Validated Timepix3 as effective in challenging laser experiment conditions.

Measured neutron energies via recoil protons and time-of-flight analysis.

Abstract

We present the results of neutron detection in a laser plasma experiment with a CD$_2$ nanowire target. A hybrid semiconductor pixel detector Timepix3 covered with neutron converters was used for the detection of neutrons. D-D fusion neutrons were detected in a polyethylene converter through recoiled protons. Both the energy of recoiled protons and the time-of-flight of neutrons (and thus their energy) were determined. We report $(2.4 \pm 1.8) \times 10^7$ neutrons generated for 1~J of incoming laser energy. Furthermore, we proved that Timepix3 is suitable for difficult operational conditions in laser experiments.