  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.
