Capturing a New State of Matter: Relativistic Electron-Positron Plasma (LDRD Final Report)

Technical Report · Mon Sep 20 00:00:00 EDT 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1821262· OSTI ID:1821262

Chen, Hui ^[1]

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1. Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Relativistic electron-positron (pair) plasmas were a main component of the universe shortly after the Big Bang and are produced around many astrophysical objects, but laboratory pair plasmas have remained elusive. High-intensity lasers can drive dense relativistic positron jets; over the last ten years, we have optimized high-energy ultra-short-pulse laser-matter interaction experiments to make a large number (10¹⁰ – 10¹²) of positrons in a small volume (< 3 mm³). However, these jets are transient (10 ps), making observations of collective effects difficult. The goal of 20-LW-021 was to trap laser-driven electron-positron jets using pulsed-power-driven high-magnetic-field solenoids, allowing longer confinement times and ultimately an observable laboratory relativistic pair plasma. The project has been remarkably successful: we have found that pulsed-power magnetic fields can effectively trap laser-driven charged particles and produce charge-neutral pair beams. The project thus far has resulted in six published journal articles. The success of these components has put a laboratory pair plasma almost within reach.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC52-07NA27344
• OSTI ID: 1821262
• Report Number(s): LLNL-TR-826866; 1041487; TRN: US2301623
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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