Tailoring Laser-Generated Plasmas for Efficient Nuclear Excitation by Electron Capture

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Plasma Physics
• Laser-Matter Interaction

Background:

• Nuclear excitation by electron capture is a potential pathway for energy release.
• Plasma environments created by intense lasers offer unique conditions for nuclear processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically investigate optimal parameters for nuclear excitation by electron capture in laser-produced plasmas.
• To assess the feasibility of achieving significant nuclear excitation using high-power optical lasers.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical investigation of nuclear excitation by electron capture.
• Modeling plasma dynamics generated by ultrastrong optical laser-solid matter interaction.
• Case study using a 4.85 keV transition in the 93mMo isomer.

Main Results:

• Optimal laser parameters for nuclear excitation rate and number of excited nuclei differ due to complex plasma dynamics.
• Optical laser-induced nuclear excitation is orders of magnitude greater than XFEL-based methods.
• Achievable nuclear excitation surpasses direct resonant and secondary plasma-mediated excitation.

Conclusions:

• Experimental observation of nuclear excitation in 93mMo and subsequent energy release is feasible.
• Current laser facilities can support the experimental verification of these findings.
• This research opens avenues for controlled nuclear energy release via laser-plasma interactions.