Gigagauss Magnetic Field Generation From High Intensity Laser Solid Interactions

Abstract

Intense Iaser (>lO" W/cm') 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 ma,onetic field strengths in the Gigagauss re,oime. We have begun a series of experiments using the Petawatr Laser system at LLNL to determine the potential of these sources for a variety of applications. Hot electron spectra from laser-tar_pet 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 (y,n) from giant resonance interactions. High resolution radiographs through a pr 2 165 gmkm' have been obtained. Dose levels in the x-ray band Gom 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.