A Route to the Brightest Possible Neutron Source?
Abstract
We review the potential to develop sources for neutron scattering science and propose that a merger with the rapidly developing field of inertial fusion energy could provide a major step-change in performance. In stark contrast to developments in synchrotron and laser science, the past 40 years have seen only a factor of 10 increase in neutron source brightness. With the advent of thermonuclear ignition in the laboratory, coupled to innovative approaches in how this may be achieved, we calculate that a neutron source three orders of magnitude more powerful than any existing facility can be envisaged on a 20- to 30-year time scale. Such a leap in source power would transform neutron scattering science.
- Publication:
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Science
- Pub Date:
- February 2007
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.1127185
- Bibcode:
- 2007Sci...315.1092T
- Keywords:
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- Physics