Using liquid crystal targets for laser-driven neutron generation at Scarlet*

We present results of an experimental run held at the Scarlet Laser Facility in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory. A standard liquid crystal compound, 4-Cyano-4′-octylbiphenyl (8CB), was resynthesized to include >95% deuterium and used for targets ranging from 20nm-1µm. The Scarlet laser (λ = 815nm, τ = 40fs) was operated at >8J with two target AOI, 22.5° and 35°, in a pitcher-catcher setup using beryllium placed 5cm away from target center. Neutron time of flight (nTOF) detectors were placed at varying distances and angles, including target normal, for energy measurements. BubbleTech dosimeters were used to measure the neutron flux. Results indicate neutron production of more than 10 MeV peak energy and flux of up to 10⁷ n/Sr.