A project for an upgrade of the Superconducting Cyclotron is underway at INFN-LNS. One of the goals of this project is the production of RIBs (Radioactive Ion Beams) of high intensity. To reach this purpose, a dedicated facility consisting of a new fragment separator FRAISE (FRAgment In-flight SEparator) is ongoing, exploiting primary beams with a power up to ≈ 2-3 kW. The high intensity achievable with FRAISE requires the use of appropriate diagnostics and tagging systems that can operate also in a strong radioactive environment. In this framework, a R&D program has been started to develop the FRAISE facility as well as the diagnostics and the tagging systems.

At the Laboratori Nazionali del Sud of INFN (INFN-LNS) in Catania, the construction of the new Radioactive Ion Beams (RIBs) facility FRAISE (FRAgment In-flight SEparator) has reached its ending phase. The facility uses the in-flight technique based on a primary beam fragmentation impinging on light Be or C targets. FRAISE makes use of light and medium mass primary beams, having power up to ≈ 2–3 kW, leading to RIBs, whose intensities vary in the range of ≈ 10 3 –10 7 pps, for nuclei far from and close to the stability valley, respectively. FRAISE aims at providing high-intensity and high-quality RIBs for nuclear physics experiments, also serving to interdisciplinary research areas, such as medical physics. Critical aspects for high-quality beams are the tuning and transport, representing time-consuming processes and requiring dedicated diagnostics and tagging devices measuring many features of RIBs. Some of these devices should be capable to operate in radioactively activated environments because of the expected 2 kW beam lost in the dipole after the production target. Due to its peculiar robustness to radioactive damage, Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology has been considered for the detection layer. In this view, an R&D campaign has been started aiming at developing the FRAISE facility, the new diagnostics system, and a new tagging device, the latter of which will be useful for the CHIMERA multidetector beamline. In this paper, we discuss the status and the perspectives of the facility with a focus on the RIBs opportunities.

For an integrated and more efficient management of the accelerators and beamlines at Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare—Laboratori Nazionali del Sud (INFN LNS), we developed a software platform including advanced user interfaces, high efficiency message exchange protocols, robust and redundant client-server infrastructures. We exploited the most innovative software architectures based on open source technologies. The core of our system is based on the Redis platform, that is a highly efficient in-memory database well suited for a fast exchange of messages between the field devices in the accelerators and along the beam lines and the graphical user interfaces located in the LNS control room. Different types of client applications have been developed for the implementation of the innovative LNS user interfaces: an interactive synoptic panel, a web portal and a mobile application. All the parameters are stored inside a relational database, in order to facilitate and speed up the beam setting for each experiment and to create a historical archive of the related parameters quite useful for possible future reconfigurations. Several powerful tools have been implemented, such as the automatic acquisition and calculation of 2D beam intensity contour plots by using suitable digital image recognition algorithm. It allows the real time analysis of the beam shape and intensity along the beam transport lines as well as the storage of all the relevant parameters in the database.

The rate estimation of nuclear reactions induced in high intensity laser-target interaction (≥1016 W/cm2), is strongly depending on the neutron detection efficiency and ion charge discrimination, according to particles involved in exit open-channels. Ion discrimination is basically performed by means of analysis of pits observed on track detector, which is critically dependent on calibration and/or fast TOF devices based on SiC and diamond detectors. Last setup is used to determine the ion energy and to obtain a rough estimation of yields. However, for each TOF interval, the dependence of yield from the energy deposited in the detector sensitive region, introduces a distortion in the ion spectra. Moreover, if two ion species are present in the same spectrum, the discrimination of their contribution is not attainable. In this paper a new method is described which allows to discriminate the contribution of two ion species in the wide energy range of nuclear reactions induced in laser-target interactions. The method is based on charge response of two TOF-SiC detectors, of suitable thicknesses, placed in adjacent positions. In presence of two ion species, the response of the detectors, associated with different energy losses, can determine the ion specific contribution to each TOF interval.

Background: In heavy-ion collisions at intermediate energies the production of light charged particles and intermediate mass fragments (IMFs) is due to different reaction mechanisms and different time scales, ranging from fast dynamical processes to statistical emission from the equilibrated system.Purpose: We compare the IMF statistical and dynamical emission probabilities in collisions of a neutron-rich Sn-124 + Ni-64 system and a neutron-poor Sn-112 + Ni-58 system at the laboratory energy of 35 A MeV.Method: The IMFs production mechanism in semiperipheral reactions has been investigated in our previous works. In this paper, the analysis is expanded for the same set of data and production cross sections have been evaluated for dynamical and statistical emission in a coherent way for light and heavy fragments.Results: The data analysis has evidenced a strong competition between dynamical and statistical emission mechanisms. Probability of the dynamical emission of IMFs is strongly influenced by the (N/Z) ratio of the colliding system.Conclusions: It is demonstrated that the statistical emission is equally probable for the two systems, while the dynamical emission is enhanced for the neutron-rich system, especially for heavy fragments (Z >= 6). The observed effect points at a high sensitivity of the prompt-dynamical emission to the (N/Z) ratio of a given system.

CR-39 samples are commonly employed for fast neutron detection in fusion reactors and in inertial confinement fusion experiments. The literature reported efficiencies are strongly depending on experimental conditions and, in some cases, highly dispersed. The present note analyses the dependence of efficiency as a function of various parameters and experimental conditions in both the radiator-assisted and the stand-alone CR-39 configurations. Comparisons of literature experimental data with Monte Carlo calculations and optimized efficiency values are shown and discussed.

Deuterium-Deuterium fusion processes were generated by focusing the 3 TW PALS Laser on solid deuterated polyethylene targets placed in vacuum. Deuterium ion acceleration of the order of 4 MeV was obtained using laser irradiance Iλ2 ∼ 5 × 1016 W μm2/cm2 on the target. Thin and thick targets, at low and high density, were irradiated and plasma properties were monitored “on line” and “off line”. The ion emission from plasma was monitored with Thomson Parabola Spectrometer, track detectors and ion collectors. Fast semiconductor detectors based on SiC and fast plastic scintillators, both employed in time-of-flight configuration, have permitted to detect the characteristic 3.0 MeV protons and 2.45 MeV neutrons emission from the nuclear fusion reactions. From massive absorbent targets we have evaluated the neutron flux by varying from negligible values up to about 5 × 107 neutrons per laser shot in the case of foams targets, indicating a reaction rate of the order of 108 fusion events per laser shot using “advanced targets”.

Background: In heavy ion collision at the Fermi energies Isospin equilibration processes occur- ring when nuclei with different charge/mass asymmetries interacts have been investigated to get information on the nucleon-nucleon Iso-vectorial effective interaction. Purpose: In this paper, for the system 48Ca +27 Al at 40 MeV/nucleon, we investigate on this process by means of an observable tightly linked to isospin equilibration processes and sensitive in exclusive way to the dynamical stage of the collision. From the comparison with dynamical model calculations we want also to obtain information on the Iso-vectorial effective microscopic interaction. Method: The average time derivative of the total dipole associated to the relative motion of all emitted charged particles and fragments has been determined from the measured charges and velocities by using the 4? multi-detector CHIMERA. The average has been determined for semi- peripheral collisions and for different charges Zb of the biggest produced fragment. Experimental evidences collected for the systems 27Al+48Ca and 27Al+40Ca at 40 MeV/nucleon used to support this novel method of investigation are also discussed.

In last decade many studies have been carried on deuterium-deuterium nuclear reaction induced in laser-target interactions. The relationships between neutron yields and reaction mechanisms and laser-target patterns need to be further clarified. In this contribution we investigate on fusion yields by changing the target thickness and composition and the laser energy and focal position. The experiment has been performed at PALS Laboratory in Prague. Ion yields have been measured by a Thomson spectrometer and by SiC detectors placed at suitable distances in TOF configuration. Neutron fluences have been evaluated by neutron bubble dosimeters and CR39 track detectors. Results about neutron fluences and fusion process are presented and discussed.

In past experiments, mass asymmetric projectile-target combinations124Sn+64Ni and 112Sn+58Ni were investigated at ELab(112'124Sn)=35 A.MeVbeam energybyusing the 4n multi-detector CHIMERA. From a quantitative comparison of cross sections associated to Statistical and Dynamical Fission of the Projectile-Like Fragments, it resulted that Dynamical Fission process is about two times more probable in the neutron rich 124Sn+64Ni system than in the 112 Sn +58 Ni neutron poor one. In contrast, no sizable difference was found for Statistical Fission mechanism. The observed difference in the strength of the Dynamical effects could arise from the difference in entrance channel Isospin (N/Z) content. In order to disentangle Isospin effects from effects due to the different masses of the two systems, a new experiment 124Xe+64Zn at 35 A.MeV beam energy has been recently carried out.

In past experiments, mass asymmetric projectile-target combinations Sn+Ni and Sn+Ni were investigated at ELab( 112,124 Sn)=35 A.MeV beam energy by using the 4π multi-detector CHIMERA. From a quantitative comparison of cross sections associated to Statistical and Dynamical Fission of the Projectile-Like Fragments, it resulted that Dynamical Fission process is about two times more probable in the neutron rich Sn+Ni system than in the Sn + Ni neutron poor one. In contrast, no sizable difference was found for Statistical Fission mechanism. The observed difference in the strength of the Dynamical effects could arise from the difference in entrance channel Isospin (N/Z) content. In order to disentangle Isospin effects from effects due to the different masses of the two systems, a new experiment 124 Xe+Zn at 35 A.MeV beam energy has been recently carried out.

Thomson Spectrometers (TPs) are widely used for beam diagnostic as they provide simultaneous information on charge over mass ratio, energy and momentum of detected ions. A new TP design has been realized at INFN-LNS within the LILIA (Laser Induced Light Ion Acceleration) and ELIMED (MEDical application at ELI-Beamlines) projects. This paper reports on the construction details of the TP and on its experimental tests performed at PALS laboratory in Prague, with the ASTERIX IV laser system. Reported data are obtained with polyethylene and polyvinyl alcohol solid targets, they have been compared with data obtained from other detectors. Consistency among results confirms the correct functioning of the new TP. The main features, characterizing the design, are a wide acceptance of the deflection sector and a tunability of the, partially overlapping, magnetic and electric fields that allow to resolve ions with energy up to about 40 MeV for protons.

Deuterated polyethylene targets (CD2-monomer), as thin and thick films, were laser irradiated in a vacuum at 10(16) W cm(-2) intensity. The produced plasma was monitored in situ using the Thomson parabola spectrometer, ion collectors and SiC semiconductor detectors. For thin targets irradiated under target-normal-sheath-acceleration conditions, laser accelerated deuterons with energies higher than 3.0 MeV were measured along the normal to the target surface. Characteristic emissions at 3.0 and 2.5 MeV for protons and neutrons, respectively, have been detected confirming the production of nuclear fusion events. The evidence of nuclear fusion effects was evaluated and discussed.

Laser generated Plasma has been obtained at PALS laboratory in Prague irradiating thin films by Target Normal Sheath Acceleration (TNSA) regime. The irradiated targets were polymers and metals with embedded nanostructures and different thicknesses. In the present work, plasma has been characterized by using Thomson Parabola Spectrometer placed in forward direction. The regime of laser intensity was of the order of 10(16)W/cm(2) at 1.3 mu m wavelength. Simulations performed by TOSCA code have been employed to compare theoretical prevision with experimental data. This approach permitted the recognition of parabolas and the evaluations of ion charge, energy and mass-to-charge ratio. Results revealed that the maximum ion acceleration is obtained n metallic foils for optimal thickness of the order of 10 mu m and for target containing nanostructures responsible for the increase of the plasma electron density and resonant absorption effect, as will be presented and discussed.

In past experiments, mass asymmetric projectile-target combinations Sn-124+Ni-64 and Sn-112+Ni-58 were investigated at E-Lab(Sn-112,Sn-124)=35 A.MeV beam energy by using the 4 pi multi-detector CHIMERA. From a quantitative comparison of cross sections associated to Statistical and Dynamical Fission of the Projectile-Like Fragments, it resulted that Dynamical Fission process is about two times more probable in the neutron rich Sn-124+Ni-64 system than in the Sn-112 + Ni-58 neutron poor one. In contrast, no sizable difference was found for Statistical Fission mechanism. The observed difference in the strength of the Dynamical effects could arise from the difference in entrance channel Isospin (N/Z) content. In order to disentangle Isospin effects from effects due to the different masses of the two systems, a new experiment Xe-124+Zn-64 at 35 A.MeV beam energy has been recently carried out.

In last decade many studies have been carried on deuterium-deuterium nuclear reaction induced in laser-target interactions. The relationships between neutron yields and reaction mechanisms and laser-target patterns need to be further clarified. In this contribution we investigate on fusion yields by changing the target thickness and composition and the laser energy and focal position. The experiment has been performed at PALS Laboratory in Prague. Ion yields have been measured by a Thomson spectrometer and by SiC detectors placed at suitable distances in TOF configuration. Neutron fluences have been evaluated by neutron bubble dosimeters and CR39 track detectors. Results about neutron fluences and fusion process are presented and discussed.

Thin foils, 0.5-50 mu m in thickness, have been irradiated in vacuum at Prague Asterix Laser System in Prague using 10(15-16) W cm(-2) laser intensity, 1315 nm wavelength, 300 ps pulse duration and different focal positions. Produced plasmas from metals and polymers films have been monitored in the forward and backward directions. Ion and electron accelerations have been investigated by using Thomson parabola spectrometer, x-ray streak camera, ion collectors and SiC semiconductor detectors, the latter employed in time-of-flight configuration. Ion acceleration up to about 3 MeV per charge state was measured in the forward direction. Ion and electron emissions were detected at different angles as a function of the irradiation conditions.

The production mechanism of intermediate-mass fragments (IMFs) with atomic numbers Z = 3 - 7 is explored in the intermediate energy regime, studying dissipative Ca-48 + Sn-112 and Ca-48 + Sn-124 reactions at E/A= 45 MeV. Various aspects of IMF emission patterns point to an inelastic break-up type production mechanism involving excited projectile-like fragment from dissipative interactions. Isotopic yield ratios of identical IMFs from the above two dissipative reactions have been analysed using the "isoscaling" method. Observed trends are correlated with ground-state binding energy systematics and their relevance for an evaluation of the symmetry energy is discussed.

Laser ablation threshold measurements has been carried out by the nanosecond-class Nd:YAG laser at LNS-INFN in Catania. Advanced targets, such as hydrogen-enriched silicon slabs and sub-micro structured polymeric samples, have been investigated. The estimated ablation fluences are correlated to recent experimental and theoretical results on high intensity laser driven ion acceleration. Characteristics of H-atoms/protons and heavier atoms/ions coming out from the bulk of the irradiated target or from surface contaminants have been determined by optical and time-of-flight spectroscopy as well as mass quadrupole spectrometry.

The laser-generated plasma, in non equilibrium conditions, has peculiar properties depending strongly on the laser parameters, on the target composition and on the target geometry. Different fast diagnostic techniques can be employed for the plasma characterization in terms of particles and photons emission, plasma temperature and density, ion energy distribution, angular emission, yield and electric field acceleration. Particular attention is devoted to the proton emission from hydrogenated targets and to the proton diagnostics by using time of flight techniques and Thomson parabola spectrometry. The diagnostic techniques will be presented and discussed on the base of the development of the ELIMED project.