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Magnetic Field Generation through Angular Momentum Exchange between Circularly Polarized Radiation and Charged Particles

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/793029· OSTI ID:793029
 [1]; ;
  1. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
The interaction between circularly polarized (CP) radiation and charged particles can lead to generation of magnetic field through an inverse Faraday effect. The spin of the circularly polarized electromagnetic wave can be converted into the angular momentum of the charged particles so long as there is dissipation. We demonstrate this by considering two mechanisms of angular momentum absorption relevant for laser-plasma interactions: electron-ion collisions and ionization. The precise dissipative mechanism, however, plays a role in determining the efficiency of the magnetic field generation.
Research Organization:
Princeton Plasma Physics Lab., NJ (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76CH03073
OSTI ID:
793029
Report Number(s):
PPPL-3654
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English