Neutron Production by 200 mJ Ultrashort Laser Pulses
We report the observation of neutrons rf:leased from d(d,n) He-3 fusion reactions in the focus of 200 mJ, 160 fs Ti:sapphire laser pulses on a deuterated polyethylene target. Optimizing the fast electron and ion generation by applying a well-defined prepulse led to an average rate of 140 neutrons per shot. Furthermore, the production of a substantial number of MeV gamma rays could be observed. The