arXiv subjects

Shukai He

Publications and source records attributed to Shukai He.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Efficient Generation of Neutrons Based on Ultrashort Laser-driven Direct Acceleration in Microwire-Array Targets

We report on an experimental demonstration of efficient neutron generation based on direct laser acceleration in microwire-array targets irradiated by ultrashort (tens of femtoseconds) laser pulses. The optimal array period was identified, at which the maximum proton energy and the number of protons with energies exceeding $1~\mathrm{MeV}$ were significantly increased. Using a $1~\mathrm{PW}$, $\sim25~\mathrm{fs}$ laser at a moderate intensity of $\sim10^{20}~\mathrm{W/cm^2}$, a high neutron yield of up to $(8.33\pm0.84)\times10^{6}~\mathrm{n/sr/J}$ was detected from the LiD converter via $^7\mathrm{Li}(p,n)$ and $\mathrm{D}(p,n+p)$ nuclear reactions. Self-consistent integrated simulations reproduced the experimental results and predicted that with a Be converter, a forward pulsed neutron source with an unprecedented yield per joule of $3.67\times10^{7}~\mathrm{n/sr/J}$ can be obtained under identical laser conditions. This type of neutron source is favorable for applications that require a high repetition rate utilizing compact and economical laser systems.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2023

Energy loss enhancement of very intense proton beams in dense matter due to the beam-density effect

Thoroughly understanding the transport and energy loss of intense ion beams in dense matter is essential for high-energy-density physics and inertial confinement fusion. Here, we report a stopping power experiment with a high-intensity laser-driven proton beam in cold, dense matter. The measured energy loss is one order of magnitude higher than the expectation of individual particle stopping models. We attribute this finding to the proximity of beam ions to each other, which is usually insignificant for relatively-low-current beams from classical accelerators. The ionization of the cold target by the intense ion beam is important for the stopping power calculation and has been considered using proper ionization cross section data. Final theoretical values agree well with the experimental results. Additionally, we extend the stopping power calculation for intense ion beams to plasma scenario based on Ohm's law. Both the proximity- and the Ohmic effect can enhance the energy loss of intense beams in dense matter, which are also summarized as the beam-density effect. This finding is useful for the stopping power estimation of intense beams and significant to fast ignition fusion driven by intense ion beams.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2020

Varied fusion reaction probability induced by ion stopping modification in laser-driven plasma with different temperature

The dynamics of nuclear reaction in plasma is a fundamental issue in many high energy density researches, such as the astrophysical reactions and the inertial confinement fusion. The effective reaction cross-sections and ion stopping power in plasma need to be taken into account to analyze the reactivity. In this research, we have experimentally investigated the from D-D reactions from interactions between deuteron beams and deuterated polystyrene (CD) plasma, driven by two laser pulses respectively. The neutron yields, plasma density and deuteron energy loss in plasma have been measured, and the plasma temperature and deuteron stopping power have been analyzed from simulations. It is shown that, compared with a cold target, the reaction probability in plasma conditions can be enhanced or suppressed, which is ascribed to the deuteron stopping power modifications in plasma. In hotter CD plasma, the energy loss of moderate energetic deuterons reduces, which leads to higher D-D reaction probability, while the contrary happens in colder plasma. This work provides new understanding of fusion reactions in plasma environment.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2020

Anomalous stopping of laser-accelerated intense proton beam in dense ionized matter

Ultrahigh-intensity lasers (10$^{18}$-10$^{22}$W/cm$^{2}$) have opened up new perspectives in many fields of research and application [1-5]. By irradiating a thin foil, an ultrahigh accelerating field (10$^{12}$ V/m) can be formed and multi-MeV ions with unprecedentedly high intensity (10$^{10}$A/cm$^2$) in short time scale ($\sim$ps) are produced [6-14]. Such beams provide new options in radiography [15], high-yield neutron sources [16], high-energy-density-matter generation [17], and ion fast ignition [18,19]. An accurate understanding of the nonlinear behavior of beam transport in matter is crucial for all these applications. We report here the first experimental evidence of anomalous stopping of a laser-generated high-current proton beam in well-characterized dense ionized matter. The observed stopping power is one order of magnitude higher than single-particle slowing-down theory predictions. We attribute this phenomenon to collective effects where the intense beam drives an decelerating electric field approaching 1GV/m in the dense ionized matter. This finding will have considerable impact on the future path to inertial fusion energy.

physics.plasm-ph↗