Dynamics of self-generated, large amplitude magnetic fields following high-intensity laser matter interaction

TL;DR

This study investigates the generation and behavior of extremely strong magnetic fields produced by high-intensity laser interactions with solid targets, revealing their effects on plasma dynamics and potential applications.

Contribution

It provides spatial and temporal measurements of large-amplitude magnetic fields and supports findings with simulations and analytical models, advancing understanding of laser-induced magnetic phenomena.

Findings

Magnetic fields reach tens of Megagauss levels.

Fields influence plasma sheath expansion.

Results have implications for ion acceleration and plasma jet studies.

Abstract

The dynamics of magnetic fields with amplitude of several tens of Megagauss, generated at both sides of a solid target irradiated with a high intensity (? 1019W/cm2) picosecond laser pulse, has been spatially and temporally resolved using a proton imaging technique. The amplitude of the magnetic fields is sufficiently large to have a constraining effect on the radial expansion of the plasma sheath at the target surfaces. These results, supported by numerical simulations and simple analytical modeling, may have implications for ion acceleration driven by the plasma sheath at the rear side of the target as well as for the laboratory study of self-collimated high-energy plasma jets.