Development of Laser-Driven Compact Neutron Source

“Development of key technologies for compact neutron source and its industrial application” (Hideki Yoshizawa as Program Officer) was started in 2014 as a 6-year program under JST A-STEP (Adaptable and Seamless Technology transfer Program through target-driven R&D). Among the 10 projects in this program, two projects are undertaken on the development of laser-driven neutron source at GPI (PI: R. Hanayama) and ILE Osaka (PI: A. Yogo). In this presentation, I will introduce several activities at GPI and ILE, covering the prototype concept and evaluation of the laser-driven neutron source, simulation of the laser-matter interaction, recent experimental results, and development of the neutron detectors.