Laser-based approach to measure small nuclear cross sections in plasma

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Plasma Physics
• Astrophysics

Background:

• Measuring very small nuclear isomeric excitation cross sections (10-100 picobarns) is crucial for understanding stellar nucleosynthesis.
• Traditional accelerator-based methods face significant challenges in accurately measuring these minuscule cross sections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel approach for measuring extremely small nuclear isomeric excitation cross sections.
• To explore the potential of laser-cluster interactions for nuclear physics research.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing intense laser pulses to interact with Krypton (Kr) atomic clusters.
• Generating a high-temperature, high-density plasma facilitating nuclear excitations via inelastic electron scattering.
• Achieving electron temperatures of several hundred keV, mimicking stellar environments.

Main Results:

• Successfully measured very small nuclear isomeric excitation cross sections.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of using laser-cluster interactions for nuclear cross-section measurements.
• Achieved plasma conditions comparable to stellar environments.

Conclusions:

• The laser-cluster interaction method provides a viable alternative for measuring small nuclear cross sections.
• This approach can advance the understanding of nuclear transition mechanisms.
• The technique holds promise for studying element evolution in stellar environments.