Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics Research Articles

Status of the project for a positron laboratory at ELI-NP

We report on the plans of a positron laboratory to be built at the Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) facility. The slow e+ source is based on e−–e+ pair production in a converter made of tungsten foils by a brilliant gamma beam (Eγ<3.5 MeV, Iγ = 2.4×1010 γ s-1) which will be generated by Compton back–scattering of photons from a high power laser on electrons from a LINAC. Numerical simulations of γ–ray interactions with the designed converter showed that, if the tungsten foils are used for moderation of the created fast e+, a slow e+ beam of an intensity of ~1×106 s-1 can be obtained. Circular polarization of the γ-beam is proposed to be one of the ELI-NP’s upgrades. The slow e+ will be extracted perpendicularly to the γ–beam and will have ~ 30% transversal polarization degree. By using a transmission re-moderation stage and electrostatically turning the re–moderated beam by 90°, the transversal polarization will be changed to longitudinal. Longitudinal polarization can then be preserved in the longitudinal magnetic guiding field. The heat load to the converter was estimated at < 2 mW which implies that e+ moderation by frozen neon is applicable.

Future prospects of nuclear reactions induced by gamma-ray beams at ELI-NP

The future prospects of photonuclear reactions studies at the new Extreme Light Infrastructure—Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) facility are discussed in view of the pursuit of investigating the electromagnetic response of nuclei using γ-ray beams of unprecedented energy resolution and intensity characteristics. We present here the features of the γ-ray beam source, the emerging ELI-NP experimental program involving photonuclear reactions cross section measurements and spectroscopy and angular measurements of γ-rays and neutrons along with the detection arrays currently under implementation.

Nuclear Astrophysics at ELI-NP: the ELISSA prototype tested at Laboratori Nazionali del Sud

The Extreme Light Infrastructure-Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) facility, under construction in Magurele near Bucharest in Romania, will provide high-intensity and high-resolution gamma ray beams that can be used to address hotly debated problems in nuclear astrophysics, such as the accurate measurements of the cross sections of the 24 Mg( γ,α ) 20 Ne reaction, that is fundamental to determine the effective rate of 28 Si destruction right before the core collapse and the subsequent supernova explosion.For this purpose, a silicon strip detector array (named ELISSA, acronym for Extreme Light Infrastructure Silicon Strip Array) will be realized in a common effort by ELI-NP and Laboratori Nazionali del Sud (INFN-LNS), in order to measure excitation functions and angular distributions over a wide energy and angular range.A prototype of ELISSA was built and tested at INFN-LNS in Catania (Italy) with the support of ELI-NP. In this occasion, we have carried out experiments with alpha sources and with a 11 MeV 7 Li beam. Thanks to our approach, the first results of those tests show up a very good energy resolution (better than 1%) and very good position resolution, of the order of 1 mm. Moreover, a threshold of 150 keV can be easily achieved with no cooling.

A fast and complete GEANT4 and ROOT Object-Oriented Toolkit: GROOT

Present and future gamma-beam facilities represent a great opportunity to validate and evaluate the cross-sections of many photonuclear reactions at near-threshold energies. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are very important to evaluate the reaction rates and to maximize the detection efficiency but, unfortunately, they can be very cputime-consuming and in some cases very hard to reproduce, especially when exploring near-threshold cross-section. We developed a software that makes use of the validated tracking GEANT4 libraries and the n-body event generator of ROOT in order to provide a fast, realiable and complete MC tool to be used for nuclear physics experiments. This tool is indeed intended to be used for photonuclear reactions at γ -beam facilities with ELISSA (ELI Silicon Strip Array), a new detector array under development at the Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP). We discuss the results of MC simulations performed to evaluate the effects of the electromagnetic induced background, of the straggling due to the target thickness and of the resolution of the silicon detectors.

New light in nuclear physics: The extreme light infrastructure

Extreme Light Infrastructure-Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP), to become operational in 2019, is a new Research Center built in Romania that will use extreme electromagnetic fields for nuclear physics research. The ELI-NP facility will combine two large equipments with state-of-the-art parameters, namely a 2 × 10 PW high-power laser system and a very brilliant gamma-beam system delivering beams with energies up to 19.5 MeV. The laser and gamma-beam systems under construction and typical proposed first-phase experiments are described.

EuroGammaS gamma characterisation system for ELI-NP-GBS: The nuclear resonance scattering technique

A Gamma Beam Characterisation System has been designed by the EuroGammaS association for the commissioning and development of the Extreme Light Infrastructure-Nuclear Physics Gamma Beam System (ELI-NP-GBS) to be installed in Magurele, Romania. The characterisation system consists of four elements: a Compton spectrometer, a sampling calorimeter, a nuclear resonant scattering spectrometer (NRSS) and a beam profile imager. In this paper, the nuclear resonant scattering spectrometer system, designed to perform an absolute energy calibration for the gamma beam, will be described.

Overview on the target fabrication facilities at ELI-NP and ongoing strategies

Along with the development of petawatt class laser systems, the interaction between high power lasers and matter flourished an extensive research, with high-interest applications like: laser nuclear physics, proton radiography or cancer therapy. The new ELI-NP (Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics) petawatt laser facility, with 10PW and ∼ 1023W/cm2 beam intensity, is one of the innovative projects that will provide novel research of fundamental processes during light-matter interaction. As part of the ELI-NP facility, Targets Laboratory will provide the means for in-house manufacturing and characterization of the required targets (mainly solid ones) for the experiments, in addition to the research activity carried out in order to develop novel target designs with improved performances. A description of the Targets Laboratory with the main pieces of equipment and their specifications are presented. Moreover, in view of the latest progress in the target design, one of the proposed strategies for the forthcoming experiments at ELI-NP is also described, namely: ultra-thin patterned foil of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated with a carbon-based ultra-low density layer. The carbon foam which behaves as a near-critical density plasma, will allow the controlled-shaping of the laser pulse before the main interaction with the solid foil. Particular emphasis will be directed towards the target's design optimization, by simulation tests and tuning the key-properties (thickness/length, spacing, density foam, depth, periodicity etc.) which are expected to have a crucial effect on the laser-matter interaction process.

Production of medical radioisotope 64Cu by photoneutron reaction using ELI-NP γ-ray beam

Copper-64 is a radioisotope of medical interest that could be used for positron emission tomography imaging and targeted radiotherapy of cancer. In this work, we investigated the possibility of producing the \(^{64}\)Cu isotope through a \(^{65}\)Cu(\(\gamma \),n) reaction using high-intensity \(\gamma \)-beams produced at the Extreme Light Infrastructure-Nuclear Physics facility (ELI-NP). The specific activity for \(^{64}\)Cu was obtained as a function of target geometry, irradiation time, and electron beam energy, which translates into \(\gamma \)-beam energy. Optimized conditions for the generation of \(^{64}\)Cu isotopes at the ELI-NP were discussed. We estimated that an achievable saturation specific activity is of the order of 1–2 mCi/g for thin targets (radius 1–2 mm, thickness 1 cm) and for a \(\gamma \)-beam flux of 10\(^{11}\) s\(^{-1}\). Based on these results, the ELI-NP could provide great potential for the production of some innovative radioisotopes of medical interest in sufficient quantities suitable for nuclear medicine research.

Simulation of photofission experiments at the ELI-NP facility

An extensive experimental program for the study of photofission will take place at the Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) facility, where different actinide targets will be exposed to a brilliant gamma beam to produce fission fragments. We report on the implementation within the Geant4 simulation toolkit of the photofission process, of related background processes, and of extended ionic charge parameterization. These developments are used to evaluate the production rates of photofission fragments and their release efficiency from the actinide targets.

Laser-based acceleration for nuclear physics experiments at ELI-NP

As part of the Extreme Light pan-European research infrastructure, Extreme Light Infrastructure − Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) in Romania will focus on topics in Nuclear Physics, fundamental Physics and applications, based on very intense photon beams. Laser-based acceleration of electrons, protons and heavy ions is a prerequisite for a multitude of laser-driven nuclear physics experiments already proposed by the international research community. A total of six outputs of the dual-amplification chain laser system, two of 100TW, two of 1PW and two of 10PW will be employed in 5 experimental areas, with the possibility to use long and short focal lengths, gas and solid targets, reaching the whole range of laser acceleration processes. We describe the main techniques and expectations regarding the acceleration of electrons, protons and heavy nuclei at ELI-NP, and some physics cases for which these techniques play an important role in the experiments.

Estimates for production of radioisotopes of medical interest at Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics facility

We report Monte Carlo simulations of the pro- duction of radioisotopes of medical interest through photo- neutron reactions using the high-brilliance γ-beam of the Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) facility. The specific activity for three benchmark radioiso - topes, 99 Mo/ 99m Tc, 225 Ra/ 225 Ac and 186 Re, was obtained as a function of target geometry, irradiation time and γ-beam energy. Optimized conditions for the generation of these radioisotopes of medical interest with the ELI-NP γ-beams were discussed. We estimated that a saturation specific activity of the order of 1-2 mCi/g can be achieved for thin targets with about one gram of mass considering a γ-beam flux of 10 11 photons/s. Based on these results, we suggest that the ELI-NP facility can provide a unique possibility for the production of radioisotopes in sufficient quantities for nuclear medicine research.

Study of nuclear reactions in laser plasmas at future ELI-NP facility

In this contribution we will present the future activities that our collaboration will carry out at ELI-NP (Extreme Light Infrastructure Nuclear Physics), the new multi peta-watt Laser facility, currently under construction at Bucharest (Romania). The activities concerns the study of nuclear reactions in laser plasmas. In this framework we proposed the construction of a new, general-purpose experimental set-up able to detect and identify neutrons and charged particles.

Perspectives for photonuclear research at the Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) facility

The perspectives for photonuclear experiments at the new Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) facility are discussed in view of the need to accumulate novel and more precise nuclear data. The parameters of the ELI-NP gamma beam system are presented. The emerging experimental program, which will be realized at ELI-NP, is presented. Examples of day-one experiments with the nuclear resonance fluorescence technique, photonuclear reaction measurements, photofission experiments and studies of nuclear collective excitation modes and competition between various decay channels are discussed. The advantages which ELI-NP provides for all these experiments compared to the existing facilities are discussed.

Production of exoctic fragments by photofission process combined with stopping gas cell at ELI-NP facility

Extreme Light Infrastructure Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) facility is being built at Bucharest-Magurele, which then allow us to do research about nuclear physics using a new set of research tools: high power laser system and high brilliance gamma beams. One of day-one experiment proposed at this facility is to study the photofission of actinide by the high-intensity gamma beam through measurement of mass and beta decay. In addition, ternary fission will be also studied. In particular, the measurements of exotic neutron-rich nuclei produced by photofission, especially isotopes of refractory elements, is of great interest and requires the development of an IGISOL-type (Ion guide isotope separation online). In this report, we will present benchmark simulation of photofission rate and rates of related background processes.

Dense electron-positron plasmas and gamma-ray bursts generation by counter-propagating quantum electrodynamics-strong laser interaction with solid targets

We use quantum electrodynamics (QED) particle-in-cell simulations to investigate and compare the generation of dense electron-positron plasmas and intense γ-ray bursts in the case of counter-propagating laser solid interaction (two-side irradiation) and single laser solid interaction (one-side irradiation). In the case of counter-propagating linearly polarized laser pulses irradiating a thin aluminum foil with each pulse peak power of 12.5 PW (I = 4 × 1023 W/cm2), we calculate that about 20% of the laser energy is converted into a burst of γ-rays with flux exceeding 1014 s.−1 This would be one of the most intense γ-ray sources among those currently available in laboratories. The γ-ray conversion efficiency in the case of two-side irradiation is three times higher than in the case of one-side irradiation using a single 12.5 PW laser. Dense electron-positron plasma with a maximum density of 6 × 1027 m−3 are generated simultaneously during the two-side irradiation which is eightfold denser compared to the one-side irradiation. The enhancement of the effects in the case of counter-propagating lasers are the results of the symmetrical compression of the foil target and the formation of electric potential and standing wave around the target. Realizing experimentally the proposed counter-propagating QED-strong laser-solid interaction to produce dense electron-positron pairs and prolific γ-rays will be made possible by the Extreme Light Infrastructure-Nuclear Physics facility under construction.

The ELI–NP facility for nuclear physics

Extreme Light Infrastructure–Nuclear Physics (ELI–NP) is aiming to use extreme electromagnetic fields for nuclear physics research. The facility, currently under construction at Magurele–Bucharest, will comprise a high power laser system and a very brilliant gamma beam system. The technology involved in the construction of both systems is at the limits of the present-day’s technological capabilities. The high power laser system will consist of two 10PW lasers and it will produce intensities of up to 1023–1024W/cm2. The gamma beam, produced via Compton backscattering of a laser beam on a relativistic electron beam, will be characterized by a narrow bandwidth (<0.5%) and tunable energy of up to almost 20MeV. The research program of the facility covers a broad range of key topics in frontier fundamental physics and new nuclear physics. A particular attention is given to the development of innovative applications. In the present paper an overview of the project status and the overall performance characteristics of the main research equipment will be given. The main fundamental physics and applied research topics proposed to be studied at ELI–NP will also be briefly reviewed.

Future Experiments with Intense Laser Beams and Brilliant Gamma Beams at the ELI-NP Facility

The Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) Pan-European facility initiative represents a major step forward in quest for extreme electromagnetic fields. Extreme Light Infrastructure Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) is one of the three pillars of the ELI facility, that aims to use extreme electromagnetic fields for nuclear physics and quantum electrodynamics research. At ELI-NP, high-power lasers together with a very brilliant gamma beam are the main research tools. Their targeted operational parameters are described. The emerging experimental program in the field of nuclear physics of the facility is reported. The different instruments which are considered to operate in the ELI-NP experimental halls are discussed, with an emphasis on the instrumentation which is designed for nuclear structure, reactions and astrophysics research.

Bright perspectives for nuclear photonics

With the advent of new high-power, short-pulse laser facilities in combination with novel technologies for the production of highly brilliant, intense γ beams (like, e.g., Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) in Bucharest, MEGaRay in Livermore or a planned upgrade of the HIγS facility at Duke University), unprecedented perspectives will open up in the coming years for photonuclear physics both in basic sciences as in various fields of applications. Ultra-high sensitivity will be enabled by an envisaged increase of the γ-beam spectral density from the presently typical 102γ/eVs to about 104γ/eVs, thus enabling a new quality of nuclear photonics [1], assisted by new γ-optical elements [2]. Photonuclear reactions with highly brilliant γ beams will allow to produce radioisotopes for nuclear medicine with much higher specific activity and/or more economically than with conventional methods. This will open the door for completely new clinical applications of radioisotopes [3]. The isotopic, state-selective sensitivity of the well-established technique of nuclear resonance fluorescence (NRF) will be boosted by the drastically reduced energy bandwidth (<0.1%) of the novel γ beams. Together with a much higher intensity of these beams, this will pave the road towards a γ-beam based non-invasive tomography and microscopy, assisting the management of nuclear materials, such as radioactive waste management, the detection of nuclear fissile material in the recycling process or the detection of clandestine fissile materials. Moreover, also secondary sources like low-energy, pulsed, polarized neutron beams of high intensity and high brilliance [4] or a new type of positron source with significantly increased brilliance, for the first time fully polarized [5], can be realized and lead to new applications in solid state physics or material sciences.

Towards experiments at the new ELI-NP facility

The Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) Pan-European initiative represents a major step forward in quest for extreme electromagnetic fields. The Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) laboratory is one of the three pillars of the ELI project, that aims to use such extreme electromagnetic fields for nuclear physics and quantum electrodynamics research. At ELI-NP two ten petawatt high-power laser systems together with a very brilliant narrow-width γ beam are the main research tools. Here the current status of the project and the experimental program related to nuclear research, which is under preparation at ELI-NP, are presented.

Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) European Research Centre

Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) is one of the 48 infrastructures of the European Strategic Forum for Research Infrastructure (ESFRI) roadmap and represents a major step forward in quest for producing extreme electromagnetic fields. Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) is one of the three pillars of the ELI initiative, which aims to use extreme electromagnetic fields for nuclear physics research. A high power laser system and a very brilliant gamma beam are the two main research equipment at the core of ELI-NP. Their targeted operational parameters are described. The related experimental areas are also presented, together with the main directions of the proposed scientific programme.