The programming and development of the Monte Carlo code MCNRC for neutron calculation driven by intense laser with pitcher-catcher scheme are described in this study. We describe the physical models and databases utilized in the MCNRC's ion transport and neutron production processes, and we compare simulation results to experimental or other simulated data to demonstrate the validity of MCNRC. The program is applied to three neutron sources that are based on various nuclear reactions, including the proton-lithium reaction, the deuterium-lithium reaction, and the lithium-proton reaction. The results show that MCNRC has preferable simulation capabilities for these neutron sources.

Accurate electron heat conduction model is essential for understanding energy transport and dissipation during inertial confinement fusion and celestial burst process, and guiding the design of fusion capsule and experiment design of laboratory astrophysics. We successfully couple the non-local electron heat conduction model to the radiation hydrodynamics code, the simulation results of which in two analytical tests are basically consistent with the results calculated by the Fokker-Planck code. Applying the coupled code to the interaction between nanosecond laser and solid targets, we find that the non-local effect is mainly manifest in the time-dependent flux limited effect of the coronal critical surface in the early stage and the gradually enhanced preheating effect of the ablation surface in the late stage. These results are of great significance to clearly understand the laser energy deposition and transmission, and the generation and development of hydrodynamic instability in inertial confinement fusion, especially in direct drive.