Monte Carlo particle collision model for qualitative analysis of neutron energy spectra from anisotropic inertial confinement fusion

A Monte Carlo (MC) code simulating the kinetics of two-particle collisions has shown to have certain advantages in the spectral analysis of neutrons from fast-ignition inertial confinement fusion (ICF). The MC code quickly displays neutron spectra produced in the expected fusion plasma kinetics (incl. ion energy spectrum, anisotropy, and collision geometry). This allows to explore various potential mechanisms of neutron production without using time-consuming hydrodynamic or particle simulations and makes it possible to give a feedback to ongoing experiments. The validity of this model was demonstrated in the ”cone-free-shell” fast ignition experiment at the GEKKO-XII - LFEX laser facility, where the model provided a clear explanation for the significant spectral modulation of D(d, n)3He neutrons generated through the interaction between a high-power laser and a long-scale plasma.