Compact quasi-monoenergetic photon sources from laser-plasma accelerators for nuclear detection and characterization

NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION B-BEAM INTERACTIONS WITH MATERIALS AND ATOMS

卷:350

Article

Geddes, Cameron G. R.¹  Rykovanov, Sergey¹  Matlis, Nicholas H.¹  Steinke, Sven¹  Vay, Jean-Luc¹  Esarey, Eric H.¹  Ludewigt, Bernhard¹  Nakamura, Kei¹  Quiter, Brian J.¹  Schroeder, Carl B.¹  Toth, Csaba¹  Leemans, Wim P.¹ 

[1] Univ Calif Berkeley, Lawrence Berkeley Natl Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA

关键词: Nonproliferation;    Homeland security;    Active interrogation;    Monoenergetic photon source;    Laser plasma accelerator;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.nimb.2015.01.013

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Near-monoenergetic photon sources at MeV energies offer improved sensitivity at greatly reduced dose for active interrogation, and new capabilities in treaty verification, nondestructive assay of spent nuclear fuel and emergency response. Thomson (also referred to as Compton) scattering sources are an established method to produce appropriate photon beams. Applications are however restricted by the size of the required high-energy electron linac, scattering (photon production) system, and shielding for disposal of the high energy electron beam. Laser-plasma accelerators (LPAs) produce GeV electron beams in centimeters, using the plasma wave driven by the radiation pressure of an intense laser. Recent LPA experiments are presented which have greatly improved beam quality and efficiency, rendering them appropriate for compact high-quality photon sources based on Thomson scattering. Designs for MeV photon sources utilizing the unique properties of LPAs are presented. It is shown that control of the scattering laser, including plasma guiding, can increase photon production efficiency. This reduces scattering laser size and/or electron beam current requirements to scale compatible with the LPA. Lastly, the plasma structure can decelerate the electron beam after photon production, reducing the size of shielding required for beam disposal. Together, these techniques provide a path to a compact photon source system. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

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