Single shot radiography by a bright source of laser-driven thermal neutrons and x-rays

Abstract Thermal neutron (∼25 meV) beam is a powerful tool for investigating the structure and properties of materials used in science and technology. A laser-driven neutron source generating 10 10 neutrons within 1 ns duration is utilized to a single shot radiography with a dual beam of thermal neutrons and X-rays. As a proof of principle, we show the non-destructive inspection of hazardous substances (Cadmium) contained in a typical battery, when the cadmium anode thickness is evaluated from the transmittance of thermal neutrons. The fact that the neutron inspection above is performed with a single laser shot, i.e. with a single bunch of neutrons leads to a safer neutron source that is optically controlled on/off, and provides a novel tool for science and engineering.