  We report on the experimental observation of beam-like neutron emission with
peak flux of the order of 10^9 n/sr, from light nuclei reactions in a
pitcher-catcher scenario, by employing MeV ions driven by high power laser. The
spatial profile of the neutron beam, fully captured for the first time by
employing a CR39 nuclear track detector, shows a FWHM divergence angle of 70
degrees, with a peak flux nearly an order of magnitude higher than the
isotropic component elsewhere. The observed beamed flux of neutrons is highly
favourable for a wide range of applications, and indeed for further transport
and moderation to thermal energies. A systematic study employing various
combinations of pitcher-catcher materials indicates the dominant reactions
being d(p, n+p)^1H and d(d,n)^3He. Albeit insufficient cross-section data are
available for modelling, the observed anisotropy in the neutrons' spatial and
spectral profiles are most likely related to the directionality and high energy
of the projectile ions.

Plasma Physics;Nuclear Experiment;Accelerator Physics