A plasma solenoid driven by an Orbital Angular Momentum laser beam

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that a laser beam carrying orbital angular momentum can generate a strong axial magnetic field in plasma, with simulations and models showing how angular momentum transfer enhances magnetic field strength.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of producing high magnetic fields using OAM laser beams and provides a combined simulation and analytical framework to understand the process.

Findings

Generation of Tesla-scale magnetic fields in plasma using OAM lasers

Transfer of orbital angular momentum from laser to electrons without dissipation

Potential to increase magnetic field strength by controlling laser parameters

Abstract

A tens of Tesla quasi-static axial magnetic field can be produced in the interaction of a short intense laser beam carrying an Orbital Angular Momentum with an underdense plasma. Three-dimensional "Particle In Cell" simulations and analytical model demonstrate that orbital angular momentum is transfered from a tightly focused radially polarized laser beam to electrons without any dissipative effect. A theoretical model describing the balistic interaction of electrons with laser shows that particles gain angular velocity during their radial and longitudinal drift in the laser field. The agreement between PIC simulations and the simplified model identifies routes to increase the intensity of the solenoidal magnetic field by controlling the orbital angular momentum and/or the energy of the laser beam.