Gigagauss magnetic field generation from high intensity laser solid interactions
Intense laser (>1021 W/cm2 ) sources using pulse compression techniques in the sub-picosecond time frame have been used to create dynamic electric field strenghs in excess of 100 Megavolts/micron with associated magnetic field strengths in the Gigagauss regime. We have begun a series of experiments using the Petawatt Laser system at LLNL to determine the potential of these sources for a variety of applications. Hot electron spectra from laser-target interactions in Au have been measured with energies up to 100 MeV. Hot x-ray production has been measured using filtered thermoluminescent dosimeters and threshold nuclear activation ({gamma},n) from giant resonance interactions. High resolution radiographs through a {rho}r > 165 gm/cm² have been obtained. Dose levels in the x-ray band from 2-8 MeV have been measured at the level of several Rads at one meter from the target for a single pulse. The physics of these sources and the scaling relationships and laser technology required to provide high magnetic fields will be discussed. Results of preliminary magnetic field calculations will be presented along with potential applications of this technology and estimates of the fundamental scaling limits for future development.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Defense Programs (DP)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-Eng-48
- OSTI ID:
- 7988
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC-132121; DP0101011; ON: DE00007988
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: VIIIth International Conference on Megagauss Magnetic Field Generation and Related Topics, Talahassee, FL, October 18-23, 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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