Proton activation history on the Vulcan high-intensity petawatt laser facility

Abstract

AbstractHigh-intensity lasers are an effective source for the acceleration of high-energy particles. Using different interaction configurations, such facilities can be optimized for the acceleration of electrons, protons, heavy ions, high-energy photons, or neutrons. The shielding of these facilities to ensure the safety of personnel has always been a critical requirement and is a fundamental step within the design phase. The knowledge of radiation source terms through both experiments and modelling is now well understood and for the most part can be dealt with through the use of shielding and specialized beam dumps. Unlike most other particle accelerators most high-power laser facilities are still accessed by personnel post shot with little or no remote handling capabilities. As a result, the secondary activation and control of components that lie around the interaction is of great importance to safety. In this paper, we present a 10 year history of activation data on the Vulcan petawatt facility and discuss the primary sources of activation and the potential impact on future laser facilities.