Abstract
To discuss the feasibility of compact neutron sources the yield of laser produced neutrons is scaled by
the laser energy. High-energy ions are generated by Coulomb explosion of clusters through intense
femtoseocnd laser- cluster interactions. The laser energy scaling law of the neutron yield is estimated
using the laser intensity scaling law for the energy of ions emitted from clusters Coulomb-exploded by
an intense laser pulse. The neutron yield for D (D, n) He shows the potential of compact neutron sources
with modern laser technology, and the yield for p (Li, n) Be shows much higher than that for Li (p, n) Be
with the assumption of 500 nm-class cluster Coulomb explosion.
