Exploring laser-driven neutron sources for neutron capture cascades and the production of neutron-rich isotopes

The production of neutron-rich isotopes and the occurrence neutron capture cascades via laser-driven (pulsed) sources are investigated theoretically. considered scenario involves interaction a beam with target made single type seed nuclide. We present comprehensive study over $95$ nuclides in range $3\le Z \le 100$ from $^7_3$Li to $^{255}_{100}$Fm. For each element, heaviest sufficiently-long-lived (half life $> 1$ h) isotope whose data is available recent ENDF-B-VIII.0 sublibrary considered. identify interesting good performance where may occur. effects number per pulse, neutron-target size pulses also analyzed. Our results show possibility observing up $4$ successive events leading more neutrons than original This hints at new experimental possibilities produce simulate nucleosynthesis laboratory. With several selected region branching point $s$-process ($^{126}_{51}$Sb, $^{176}_{71}$Lu $^{187}_{75}$Re) or waiting $r$-process (Lu, Re, Os, Tm, Ir Au), we expect that experiments can shed light on our understanding nucleosynthesis.