Note: neutron bang time diagnostic system on Shenguang-III prototype

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Fusion Diagnostics
• High-Energy-Density Physics
• Inertial Confinement Fusion

Background:

• Accurate timing measurements are critical for understanding inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments.
• The Shenguang-III prototype requires advanced diagnostics to characterize plasma behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and validate a neutron bang time (NBT) diagnostic system on the Shenguang-III prototype.
• To establish a reliable method for measuring the precise timing of fusion neutron production.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a sensitive fusion neutron detector comprising a plastic scintillator and a micro-channel plate photomultiplier tube (PMT).
• Employed an optical fiber bundle for efficient signal coupling between the scintillator and PMT.
• Calibrated the system by correlating bang times with X-ray pulses from laser-irradiated gold targets.

Main Results:

• The NBT system successfully measures neutron bang times for yields exceeding 10^7.
• Demonstrated a timing accuracy of better than 60 picoseconds.
• Established a clear relationship between neutron bang times and laser start times.

Conclusions:

• The implemented NBT diagnostic system is effective for ICF research on Shenguang-III.
• The system provides high-precision timing data essential for validating fusion models.
• Achieved sub-60 picosecond timing accuracy, meeting stringent experimental requirements.