Short pulse lasers for generation of fields exceeding 100 MG
We consider the use of intense, short-pulse lasers for generation of ultra-high magnetic fields. 20 MG-level fields were observed in C0{sub 2} laser-illuminated targets, however the recent development of Nd glass lasers capable of delivering several Joules in {approx} 1 ps at intensities > 10{sup 18} W/cm{sup 4} opens the possibility of much higher magnetic fields (B > 100 MG). Magnetic field generation is associated with the efficient production of energetic electrons at high values of intensity x wavelength{sup 2}, I{lambda}{sup 2}. I{lambda} is proportional to the square of the oscillating momentum of electronsin the laser EM field. For I{lambda}{sup 2} > 10{sup 17} W/cm{sup 2}-{mu}m{sup 2}, the electron motion becomes nonlinear and most of the absorbed energy appears as ``hot`` electrons. The absorption of laser energy has been observed to be {approx} 50% at 10{sup 18} W/cm{sup 2}-{mu}m{sup 2} and is predicted to the same or higher at 10{sup 19} W/cm{sup 2}-{mu}m{sup 2}. The hot electron temperature is much. greater thanbackground temperatures and approaches the oscillatory energy at high I{lambda}{sup 2}. The new short pulse lasers reach high values of I{lambda}{sup 2} at much higher intensity and energy density than long wavelength C0{sub 2} lasers, which should lead to higher magnetic fields.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 10149370
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC-111540; CONF-921133-19; ON: DE93013346
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 6. international conference on megagauss magnetic field generation and related topics,Albuquerque, NM (United States),9-12 Nov 1992; Other Information: PBD: 6 Nov 1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
LASER RADIATION
ENERGY ABSORPTION
MAGNETIC FIELDS
SYNTHESIS
PINCH EFFECT
NEODYMIUM LASERS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
LASER-PRODUCED PLASMA
TARGETS
CARBON DIOXIDE
PULSES
MAGNETIC CONFINEMENT
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661300
MAGNETIC CONFINEMENT DEVICES
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