Status of High Intensity Laser Experiments for Nuclear Fission Investigations

• Main Authors: Galy, J, Magill, J
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0094-243X
• DOI: 10.1063/1.2137256

The constant evolution of the multi-terawatt and petawatt laser performances is opening new paths of research investigations, particularly in the study of nuclear reactions and, in particular, fission. These experiments may provide an innovative approach for nuclear investigations without access to large facilities such as nuclear reactors or particle accelerators. The Institute of Transuranium Elements, through various collaborations, plays an essentials role in this new field of research. In 2000, laser-induced photo-fission of 238U was for the first time experimentally demonstrated in UK with the giant pulse laser VULCAN in USA, followed by the USA using the NOVA laser. A couple of years later, the first photofission of 232Th induced by Bremsstrahlung generated with a 'tabletop' laser was performed at the Jena University in Germany. Using this tabletop laser, photofissions of 238U and 232Th have been observed. New experimental campaigns are foreseen to investigate further the possibilities of the laser induced photofission and laser accelerated proton-fission. Status of the laser-induced fission experiments and perspectives of the laser-induced nuclear reactions are discussed in this paper.