A laser-induced repetitive fast neutron source applied for gold activation analysis

Area of Science:

• Laser-driven nuclear physics
• Fast neutron generation
• Activation analysis

Background:

• Development of compact and efficient neutron sources is crucial for advanced nuclear research.
• Laser-driven fusion offers a pathway to novel neutron production methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a laser-induced, repetitively operated fast neutron source.
• To assess the utility of this neutron source for activation analysis.
• To elucidate nuclear reactions involved in gold activation using the developed source.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a laser-induced fast neutron source with a neutron yield of ~4 × 10(5) n/pulse and a 10 Hz repetition rate.
• Application of the neutron source for gold activation analysis.
• Measurement and analysis of delayed gamma spectra from activated gold.
• Identification of nuclear reactions using 14 MeV neutrons from D(t,n)He(4) and D(d,p)T(3) reactions.

Main Results:

• The developed neutron source achieved a neutron yield of approximately 4 × 10(5) n/pulse at a 10 Hz repetition rate.
• Strong delayed gamma spectra of activated gold were measured at 333 keV and 355 keV.
• The feasibility of the neutron source for activation analyses was confirmed.
• Nuclear reactions responsible for the observed gamma spectra were identified.

Conclusions:

• The laser-induced fast neutron source is a viable tool for nuclear physics research and activation analysis.
• The source's performance characteristics are suitable for practical applications.
• Further research can leverage this source for detailed nuclear reaction studies.