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Measuring magnetic flux suppression in high-power laser-plasma interactions

ORAL

Abstract

Experiments performed with the OMEGA EP laser are used to measure Biermann battery magnetic field generation driven by high power laser-solid interactions. Proton deflectometry observes changes to the strength, spatial profile, and temporal dynamics of the self-generated magnetic fields. By varying the target material or laser intensity, measurements of the magnetic flux during the interaction are used to help validate extended magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations using the code GORGON. Comparison of the experimental and simulation results suggest that kinetic effects cause suppression of the Biermann battery mechanism in laser-plasma interactions. Counter to a standard MHD understanding, the experiments generated more magnetic flux as the target atomic number is increased. These results are relevant to both direct and indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion.

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Publication: P.~T. Campbell, et al, Physical Review Letters, 125, 145001 (2020).<br>P.~T. Campbell, et al, "Measuring magnetic flux suppression in high-power laser-plasma interactions", submitted (2021).

Presenters

  • Louise Willingale

    University of Michigan

Authors

  • Louise Willingale

    University of Michigan

  • Paul T Campbell

    University of Michigan

  • Chris A Walsh

    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore Natl Lab, Lawrence Livermore National Lab

  • Brandon K Russell

    University of Michigan

  • Gennady Fiksel

    University of Michigan

  • Alexander G Thomas

    University of Michigan, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

  • Karl M Krushelnick

    University of Michigan, Center for Ultra-Fast Optics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Gérard Mourou Center for Ultrafast Optical Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA

  • Jeremy P Chittenden

    Imperial College London

  • Aidan C Crilly

    Imperial College London, CIFS, The Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London

  • Lan Gao

    Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, PPPL, Princeton University

  • Igor V Igumenshchev

    Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Lab for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, U. of Rochester

  • Philip M Nilson

    Laboratory for Laser Energetics, U. of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, University of Rochester, Lab for Laser Energetics