Journal
PHYSICS OF PLASMAS
Volume 17, Issue 4, Pages -Publisher
AIP Publishing
DOI: 10.1063/1.3377787
Keywords
magnetic reconnection; plasma boundary layers; plasma diagnostics; plasma instability; plasma light propagation; plasma magnetohydrodynamics
Categories
Funding
- UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
- European Union [MTKD-CT-2004-014423]
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council [EP/E035728/1] Funding Source: researchfish
- EPSRC [EP/E035728/1] Funding Source: UKRI
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Laser-driven magnetic reconnection is investigated using proton deflectometry. Two laser beams of nanosecond duration were focused in close proximity on a solid target to intensities of I similar to 1x10(15) W cm(-2). Through the well known del n(e)x del T-e mechanism, azimuthal magnetic fields are generated around each focal spot. During the expansion of the two plasmas, oppositely oriented field lines are brought together resulting in magnetic reconnection in the region between the two focal spots. The spatial scales and plasma parameters are consistent with the reconnection proceeding due to a Hall mechanism. An optimum focal spot separation for magnetic reconnection to occur is found to be approximate to 400 +/- 100 mu m. Proton probing of the temporal evolution of the interaction shows the formation of the boundary layer between the two expanding plasma plumes and associated magnetic fields, as well as an instability later in the interaction. Such laboratory experiments provide an opportunity to investigate magnetic reconnection under unique conditions and have possible implications for multiple beam applications such as inertial confinement fusion experiments.
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