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Measurements of Anisotropic Electron Temperatures in Magnetized Gas-Jet Plasmas

ORAL

Abstract

Experiments at the Omega Laser Facility have utilized a magnetized gas-jet platform to infer anisotropic electron temperatures in a low-density nitrogen plasma (ne ~ 5 × 1018 cm–3). With a 15-T field, the magnetic-field pressure is comparable to the plasma electron pressure (β ≈ 2). Thomson-scattering analysis show the spectral density function changes relative to the axis of the magnetic field. This temperature anisotropy persists on a nanosecond time scale, well exceeding collision time scales at these conditions. These results suggest an adiabatic cooling mechanism is driving the anisotropy.

Presenters

  • Zachariah E Barfield

    Laboratory for Laser Energetics

Authors

  • Zachariah E Barfield

    Laboratory for Laser Energetics

  • Jonathan L Peebles

    Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester

  • Joseph D Katz

    University of Rochester - Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester

  • Peter V Heuer

    Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester

  • Dustin Froula

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