Simulation of a DNP laser plasma

Direct nuclear pumped laser plasmas are simulated using a DC or pulsed proton beam impinging on a mixture of Ne-N2 gaseous targets. Results of measurements using RF cavity and emission spectroscopy techniques are found to agree well with theoretical models of the electronic distribution function and a macroscopic kinetic reaction scheme. It is shown that electrons follow a quasi-Maxwellian distribution function with temperatures 3-10 times higher than neutral temperatures, with a tail due to fast electrons above 1 eV. The kinetics of the ionization and excitation of Ne-N2 mixtures are determined to be dominated by N2 through Ne2(+)-N2 ionization transfer.