On the issue of neutron source development for a laser-driven nuclear-thermonuclear reactor

We discuss the feasibility of developing a high-power thermonuclear neutron source driven by laser pulses. Using one-dimensional numerical simulations for targets made in the form of double-sided cones, for an absorbed Nd-laser energy of ~1 MJ (at the second and third harmonics) and pulse duration of 10–20 ns it is possible to achieve a neutron yield at a level of 10¹⁶–10¹⁷ per shot. This neutron yield is a prerequisite to the commencement of work to develop a hybrid nuclear-thermonuclear reactor.