Efficient Generation of Neutrons Based on Ultrashort Laser-driven Direct Acceleration in Microwire-Array Targets
Abstract
We report on an experimental demonstration of efficient neutron generation based on direct laser acceleration in microwire-array targets irradiated by ultrashort (tens of femtoseconds) laser pulses. The optimal array period was identified, at which the maximum proton energy and the number of protons with energies exceeding were significantly increased. Using a , laser at a moderate intensity of , a high neutron yield of up to was detected from the LiD converter via and nuclear reactions. Self-consistent integrated simulations reproduced the experimental results and predicted that with a Be converter, a forward pulsed neutron source with an unprecedented yield per joule of can be obtained under identical laser conditions. This type of neutron source is favorable for applications that require a high repetition rate utilizing compact and economical laser systems.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2604.23913,
title = {Efficient Generation of Neutrons Based on Ultrashort Laser-driven Direct Acceleration in Microwire-Array Targets},
author = {Kaiyuan Feng and Debin Zou and Bo Cui and Shukai He and Yingzi Dai and Wei Qi and Jinlong Luo and Jie Feng and Xinyan Li and Zehao Chen and Lixiang Hu and Chengyu Qin and Guobo Zhang and Hui Zhang and Zhigang Deng and Xiaohu Yang and Fuqiu Shao and Liangliang Ji and Weiming Zhou and Tongpu Yu},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2604.23913},
year = {2026}
}