Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025

Sample Preparation and Experimental Design for In Situ Multi-Beam Transmission Electron Microscopy Irradiation Experiments
Published on: June 27, 2022
A combined MeV-neutron and x-ray source for the National Ignition Facility
M Hohenberger1, S Kerr1, C Yeamans1
1Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA.
Abstract:
In support of future radiation-effects testing, a combined environment source has been developed for the National Ignition Facility (NIF), utilizing both NIF's long-pulse beams, and the Advanced Radiographic Capability (ARC) short pulse lasers. First, ARC was used to illuminate a gold foil at high-intensity, generating a significant x-ray signal >1 MeV. This was followed by NIF 10 ns later to implode an exploding pusher target filled with fusionable gas for neutron generation. The neutron and x-ray bursts were incident onto a retrievable, close-standoff diagnostic snout. With separate control over both neutron and x-ray emission, the platform allows for tailored photon and neutron fluences and timing on a recoverable test sample. The platform exceeded its initial fluence goals, demonstrating a neutron fluence of 2.3 ×1013 n/cm2 and an x-ray dose of 7 krad.
More Related Videos
10:24Neutron Radiography and Computed Tomography of Biological Systems at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's High Flux Isotope Reactor
Published on: May 7, 2021
09:18Laser-heating and Radiance Spectrometry for the Study of Nuclear Materials in Conditions Simulating a Nuclear Power Plant Accident
Published on: December 14, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Nuclear Transmutation
Nuclear Fission
Nuclear Power
Nuclear Fuels
Nuclear fuel consists of a fissile isotope, such as uranium-235, which must be present in sufficient quantity to provide a...
Nuclear Fusion
A helium nucleus has a mass that is 0.7% less than that of four hydrogen nuclei; this lost mass is converted into energy during the fusion. This reaction produces about...
Types of Radioactivity
Alpha (α) decay is the emission of an α particle from the nucleus. For example, polonium-210 undergoes α decay:
Nuclear Binding Energy