The explosion of deuterated clusters heated by ultra short, high intense laser pulses provides ions with sufficient energy to undergo fusion reactions. Based on this mechanism monochromatic dd-fusion neutrons can be produced by illuminating deuterium clusters with a high intensity laser. For the work presented in this thesis we employed such a cluster fusion neutron source. The clusters from a cryogenically cooled gas jet were heated with a femtosecond, terawatt class Ti:sapphire laser. The results presented in this thesis fall into three categories. First general features of the neutron source will be discussed including the energy dependence and the angular dependence of the neutron source. Then as a first application of the source the calibration of a neutron detector for single shot dd-fusion experiments will be presented. Finally magnetic confinement as a method for increasing the neutron yield will be discussed.

A team of Los Alamos researchers supported a final campaign to use the Trident laser to produce neutrons, contributed their multidisciplinary expertise to experimentally assess if laser-driven neutron sources can be useful for MaRIE. MaRIE is the Laboratory's proposed experimental facility for the study of matter-radiation interactions in extremes. Neutrons provide a radiographic probe that is complementary to x-rays and protons, and can address imaging challenges not amenable to those beams. The team's efforts characterize the Laboratory's responsiveness, flexibility, and ability to apply diverse expertise where needed to perform successful complex experiments.

A variety of opportunities for characterization of fresh nuclear fuels using thermal (~25meV) and epithermal (~10eV) neutrons have been documented at Los Alamos National Laboratory. They include spatially resolved non-destructive characterization of features, isotopic enrichment, chemical heterogeneity and stoichiometry. The LANSCE spallation neutron source is well suited in neutron fluence and temporal characteristics for studies of fuels. However, recent advances in high power short pulse lasers suggest that compact neutron sources might, over the next decade, become viable at a price point that would permit their consideration for poolside characterization on site at irradiation facilities. In a laser-driven neutron source the laser is used to accelerate deuterium ions into a beryllium target where neutrons are produced. At this time, the technology is new and their total neutron production is approximately four orders of magnitude less than a facility like LANSCE. However, recent measurements on a sub-optimized system demonstrated>1010 neutrons in sub-nanosecond pulses in predominantly forward direction. The compactness of the target system compared to a spallation target may allow exchanging the target during a measurement to e.g. characterize a highly radioactive sample with thermal, epithermal, and fast neutrons as well as hard X-rays, thus avoiding sample handling. At this time several groups are working on laser-driven neutron production and are advancing concepts for lasers, laser targets, and optimized neutron target/moderator systems. Advances in performance sufficient to enable poolside fuels characterization with LANSCE-like fluence on sample within a decade may be possible. This report describes the underlying physics and state-of-the-art of the laser-driven neutron production process from the perspective of the DOE/NE mission. It also discusses the development and understanding that will be necessary to provide customized capability for characterization of irradiated fuels. Potential operational advantages compared to a spallation neutron source include reduced shielding complexity, reduced energy requirements, and a production target free of fission products. Contributors to this report include experts in laser-driven neutron production (Roth, Fernandez), laser design (Haefner, Siders, Leemans), laser target design (Glenzer), spallation target/moderator design (Mocko), neutron instrumentation and characterization applications (Vogel, Bourke).

The first book of its kind to highlight the unique capabilities of laser-driven acceleration and its diverse potential, Applications of Laser-Driven Particle Acceleration presents the basic understanding of acceleration concepts and envisioned prospects for selected applications. As the main focus, this new book explores exciting and diverse application possibilities, with emphasis on those uniquely enabled by the laser driver that can also be meaningful and realistic for potential users. It also emphasises distinction, in the accelerator context, between laser-driven accelerated particle sources and the integrated laser-driven particle accelerator system (all-optical and hybrid versions). A key aim of the book is to inform multiple, interdisciplinary research communities of the new possibilities available and to inspire them to engage with laser-driven acceleration, further motivating and advancing this developing field. Material is presented in a thorough yet accessible manner, making it a valuable reference text for general scientific and engineering researchers who are not necessarily subject matter experts. Applications of Laser-Driven Particle Acceleration is edited by Professors Paul R. Bolton, Katia Parodi, and Jörg Schreiber from the Department of Medical Physics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München in München, Germany. Features: Reviews the current understanding and state-of-the-art capabilities of laser-driven particle acceleration and associated energetic photon and neutron generation Presents the intrinsically unique features of laser-driven acceleration and particle bunch yields Edited by internationally renowned researchers, with chapter contributions from global experts

This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the fundamental theory and applications of slow-neutron scattering.

"Fusion neutron sources have many important practical uses, such as irradiation testing of materials and components, facilitating the production of various isotopes such as tritium, driving subcritical cores, characterizing spent nuclear fuel, and manufacturing medical isotopes. All these applications can be potentially improved by achieving higher neutron yields and fluxes in compact fusion neutron sources (CFNSs). This publication is a compilation arising from an IAEA coordinated research project on this topic and presents the project's main results and findings with the aim of supporting stakeholders in the development of CFNSs in the transition from conceptual to engineering design."--Publisher's description.

"Fusion neutron sources have many important practical uses, such as irradiation testing of materials and components, facilitating the production of various isotopes such as tritium, driving subcritical cores, characterizing spent nuclear fuel, and manufacturing medical isotopes. All these applications can be potentially improved by achieving higher neutron yields and fluxes in compact fusion neutron sources (CFNSs). This publication is a compilation arising from an IAEA coordinated research project on this topic and presents the project's main results and findings with the aim of supporting stakeholders in the development of CFNSs in the transition from conceptual to engineering design."--