A recoverable gas-cell diagnostic for the National Ignition Facility.

Authors :: Ratkiewicz, A.
Hopkins, L. Berzak
Bleuel, D. L.
Bernstein, L. A.
Bibber, K. van
Cassata, W. S.
Goldblum, B. L.
Siem, S.
Velsko, C. A.
Wiedeking, M.
Yeamans, C. B.
Source :: Review of Scientific Instruments; Nov2016, Vol. 87 Issue 11, p11D825-1-11D825-3, 3p, 1 Color Photograph, 2 Graphs
Publication Year :: 2016
Abstract: The high-fluence neutron spectrum produced by the National Ignition Facility (NIF) provides an opportunity to measure the activation of materials by fast-spectrum neutrons. A new large-volume gas-cell diagnostic has been designed and qualified to measure the activation of gaseous substances at the NIF. This in-chamber diagnostic is recoverable, reusable and has been successfully fielded. Data from the qualification of the diagnostic have been used to benchmark an Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code simulation describing the downscattered neutron spectrum seen by the gas cell. We present early results from the use of this diagnostic to measure the activation of <superscript>nat</superscript>Xe and discuss future work to study the strength of interactions between plasma and nuclei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]