Recent scientific and technical advances have made it possible to create matter in the laboratory under conditions relevant to astrophysical systems such as supernovae and black holes. These advances will also benefit inertial confinement fusion research and the nation's nuclear weapon's program. The report describes the major research facilities on which such high energy density conditions can be achieved and lists a number of key scientific questions about high energy density physics that can be addressed by this research. Several recommendations are presented that would facilitate the development of a comprehensive strategy for realizing these research opportunities.

Lasers and Nuclei describes the generation of high-energy-particle radiation with high-intensity lasers and its application to nuclear science. A basic introduction to laser--matter interaction at high fields is complemented by detailed presentations of state of the art laser particle acceleration and elementary laser nuclear experiments. The text also discusses future applications of lasers in nuclear science, for example in nuclear astrophysics, isotope generation, nuclear fuel physics and proton and neutron imaging.

This book represents the first comprehensive treatment of the subject, covering the theoretical principles, present experimental status and important applications of short-pulse laser-matter interactions.Femtosecond lasers have undergone dramatic technological advances over the last fifteen years, generating a whole host of new research activities under the theme of “ultrafast science”. The focused light from these devices is so intense that ordinary matter is torn apart within a few laser cycles. This book takes a close-up look at the exotic physical phenomena which arise as a result of this new form of “light-matter” interaction, covering a diverse set of topics including multiphoton ionization, rapid heatwaves, fast particle generation and relativistic self-channeling. These processes are central to a number of exciting new applications in other fields, such as microholography, optical particle accelerators and photonuclear physics.Repository for numerical models described in Chapter 6 can be found at www.fz-juelich.de/zam/cams/plasma/SPLIM/./a

Neutron Imaging and Applications offers an introduction to the basics of neutron beam production in addition to the wide scope of techniques that enhance imaging application capabilities. An instructional overview of neutron sources, detectors, optics and spin-filters allows readers to delve more deeply into the discussions of radiography, tomography and prospective applications available in neutron holography techniques. A section devoted to current applications describes imaging single grains in polycrystalline materials, neutron imaging of geological materials and other materials science and engineering areas. Coverage of thermal neutron imaging of biological tissues, plant physiology, Homeland Security and contraband detection explore the future prospects of this cutting-edge research. Written by key experts in the field, researchers and engineers involved with imaging technologies will find Neutron Imaging and Applications a valuable reference.

This detailed and comprehensive reference to spallation -- from the foundations to the latest applications is the only work of its kind and is written by two internationally renowned researchers. Clearly divided into three parts, it begins with the basic principles, while the second part describes the proton-nucleus and proton-matter experiments so-called thin and thick target experiments in terms of secondary particle production as hadrons, pions, muons, photons, electrons, light and intermediate masses, isotope production, heating and energy deposition and materials damage. Many of the experiments are associated with studies, investigations and the construction of spallation neutron sources since 1975 with emphasis on the most recent developments. The final part on technology and applications describes the various engineering problems associated with high intensity neutron spallation sources, ATW's, the needed accelerator systems, material and neutron issues, and high energy neutron source shielding aspects. A must-have for engineers and physicists working in or entering this field.

The potential for using fusion energy to produce commercial electric power was first explored in the 1950s. Harnessing fusion energy offers the prospect of a nearly carbon-free energy source with a virtually unlimited supply of fuel. Unlike nuclear fission plants, appropriately designed fusion power plants would not produce the large amounts of high-level nuclear waste that requires long-term disposal. Due to these prospects, many nations have initiated research and development (R&D) programs aimed at developing fusion as an energy source. Two R&D approaches are being explored: magnetic fusion energy (MFE) and inertial fusion energy (IFE). An Assessment of the Prospects for Inertial Fusion Energy describes and assesses the current status of IFE research in the United States; compares the various technical approaches to IFE; and identifies the scientific and engineering challenges associated with developing inertial confinement fusion (ICF) in particular as an energy source. It also provides guidance on an R&D roadmap at the conceptual level for a national program focusing on the design and construction of an inertial fusion energy demonstration plant.