Coulomb cluster explosion boosted by an electrical pulse -- neutron source, diagnostic tool, and test of nuclear fusion efficiency

To greatly enhance output of fusion-produced neutrons in a laser-initiated Coulomb explosion of $D$ clusters, we propose to accelerate $D^+$ ions by an electrical pulse to the energies where the $D^+ + D$ collision cross-section is the highest. With $D^+$ ions bombarding a $D$-rich cathode, this solves a few problems simultaneously by (a) removing electron cloud hindering the Coulomb explosion, (b) utilizing up to $100 \%$ of the ions to hit the high-density packed nuclei, and (c) reaching highly increased cross-section of neutron production in a single $D^+ + D$ collision, by using a multi-layered target. We show that neutron output can reach up to $10^{15}$ per shot, which provides for a powerful and compact neutron source. We also consider the use of $E$-pulse acceleration for diagnostic purposes.