Creation of magnetized jet using a ring of laser beams

Abstract

We propose a new way of generating magnetized supersonic jets using a ring laser to irradiate a flat surface target. Using 2D FLASH code simulations which include the Biermann Battery term, we demonstrate that strong toroidal fields can be generated and sustained downstream in the collimated jet outflow far from the target surface. The field strength can be controlled by varying the ring laser separation, thereby providing a versatile laboratory platform for studying the effects of magnetic field in a variety of astrophysical settings.

Numerical simulation of magnetized jet creation using a hollow ring of laser beams

“…The maximum magnitude of magnetic field at t = 3.6ns increases with the radius d of the laser ring, as shown in Figure 10. This is consistent with the 2D cylindrical simulation [15]. However, the full three dimensional simulation predicts a magnetic field axial polarized and much stronger than those in the two dimensional cylindrical simulation.…”

“…The creation of the jets and strong magnetic fields using the ring laser pattern is explained. 3D simulations reproduce some features in previous 2D cylindrical results [14,15]. However, many new features emerges in 3D, e.g.…”

Flying focus: Spatial and temporal control of intensity for laser-based applications

“…Plasma is ablated from the laser spots and is initially magnetized by the Biermann battery mechanism. 23,24 The ablated, magnetized plasmas converge towards the axis of the cone where they collide to form a turbulent, magnetized jet directed through the cone opening.…”

Mega-Gauss Plasma Jet Creation Using a Ring of Laser Beams

“…The narrow collimation of these hollow-ring-laser jets was achieved by "inertial confinement" analogous to rocket nozzles, not by radiative collapse. Furthermore, a hollow-ring-laser jet was shown to create and sustain magnetic fields far from the target (Fu et al 2015). When the ring-shaped blow-off collides along the axis, non-parallel gradients in electron density n e and electron pressure P e naturally produce "Biermann battery" (Biermann 1950) magnetic fields along the axis.…”

“…When the ring-shaped blow-off collides along the axis, non-parallel gradients in electron density n e and electron pressure P e naturally produce "Biermann battery" (Biermann 1950) magnetic fields along the axis. The larger the hollow ring radius, the stronger the field becomes and the farther it extends from the target (Fu et al 2015). To demonstrate this hollow-ring-laser magnetized jet concept, we carried out a series of experiments in 2015 and 2016 at the OMEGA laser facility of LLE (Boehly et al 1995).…”