High-resolution neutron imaging of laser fusion targets using bubble detectors

Abstract

The results of proof-of-principle neutron imaging experiments using bubble detectors are reported. Bubble detectors, which detect neutrons with a spatial resolution as small as 5 μ, were used to image the neutrons from laser-driven compressed deuterium–tritium target plasmas in OMEGA [Boehly et al., Opt. Commun. 133, 495 (1997)]. The results demonstrate that bubble detectors should revolutionize the design of coded aperture neutron imaging systems. Prospects for imaging target plasmas in the National Ignition Facility [Kilkenny et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 66, 288 (1995)] with 5 μ spatial resolution in the target plane appear excellent.