⁴⁰Ar proposed as probe of neutron-induced reactions in a high-density stellar-like plasma at the National Ignition Facility

Abstract

The thermodynamical conditions and the neutron density produced in a laser-induced implosion of a deuterium-tritium (DT) filled capsule at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) are the closest laboratory analog of stellar conditions. We plan to investigate neutron-induced reactions on 40Ar, namely the 40Ar(n, 2n)39Ar(t1/2 =268 y), the 40Ar(n, γ)41Ar(110 min) and the potential rapid two-neutron capture reaction 40Ar(2n, γ)42Ar(33 y) in an Ar-loaded DT capsule. The chemical inertness of noble gas Ar enables reliable collection of the reaction products.