Measurements of D-D fusion neutrons generated in nanowire array laser plasma using Timepix3 detector

Abstract We present the results of neutron detection in a laser plasma experiment with a CD 2 nanowire target. A hybrid semiconductor pixel detector Timepix3 covered with neutron converters was used for the detection of neutrons. D-D fusion neutrons were detected in a polyethylene converter through recoiled protons. Both the energy of recoiled protons and the time-of-flight of neutrons (and thus their energy) were determined. We report ( 2 . 4 ± 1 . 8 ) × 1 0 7 neutrons generated for 1 J of incoming laser energy. Furthermore, we proved that Timepix3 is suitable for difficult operational conditions in laser experiments.