Abstract
Our understanding of a large range of astrophysical phenomena depends on a precise knowledge of charged particle nuclear reactions that occur at very low rates, which are difficult to measure under relevant plasma conditions. Here, we describe a method for generating dense plasmas at effective ion temperatures >20 keV, sufficient to induce measurable charged particle nuclear reactions. Our approach uses ultra-intense lasers to drive micron-sized, encapsulated nanofoam targets. Energetic electrons generated in the intense laser interaction pass through the foam, inducing a rapid expansion of the foam ions; this results in a hot, near-solid density plasma. We present the laser and target conditions necessary to achieve these conditions and illustrate the system performance using three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, outline potential applications and calculate expected nuclear reaction rates in the D(d,n) and 12C(p,γ) systems assuming CD, or CH aerogel foams.
Highlights
Our understanding of a large range of astrophysical phenomena depends on a precise knowledge of charged particle nuclear reactions that occur at very low rates[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9]
We discuss a platform that would provide a microscopic volume of near-solid density plasma with an ion temperature of tens of millions of degrees, where measurable reaction products would be created at conditions similar to those found in astrophysical objects like stars
We compute nuclear reaction rates based on the kinematics of individual reactions, where the actual ion energy distribution is obtained from the PIC simulation results
Summary
Our understanding of a large range of astrophysical phenomena depends on a precise knowledge of charged particle nuclear reactions that occur at very low rates, which are difficult to measure under relevant plasma conditions. 1234567890():,; Our understanding of a large range of astrophysical phenomena depends on a precise knowledge of charged particle nuclear reactions that occur at very low rates[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9] Measuring these reactions in astrophysically relevant conditions has not been possible; accelerator based measurements have been utilized, leaving open the question of whether screening corrections from a cold solid density target to a plasma are correct. Recent experiments with ultraintense laser light directly irradiating low-density (
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
