Fast neutron emission from a high-energy ion beam produced by a high-intensity subpicosecond laser pulse

Neutron emission as high as 10(7) is observed when a high intensity (a few 10(19)W/cm(2)) subpicosecond laser pulse at 529 nm wavelength is focused on a deuterated polyethylene target. Neutron emission is also measured in dif ferent directions. The emission of neutrons along the laser axis is higher than in the transverse direction. Nonisotropic emission is consistent with neutrons generated by D(d, n)-He-3 reaction for 0.3-1 MeV deuterons acceler ated in the direction of the laser beam. The energy transferred to the ions is roughly estimated and compared with the energy carried out by the elect rons. [S0031-9007(98)08299-4].