Magnetic reconnection and plasma dynamics in two beam laser-solid interactions

Measurements using the Vulcan Laser Facility (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK) are presented of a self-generated magnetic reconnection geometry that is created at the surface of a planar solid target by two heater beams (1 ns pulse duration, 1 $\times$ 10$^{15}$ Wcm$^{-2}$). Shadowgraphy and interferometry (using a 10 ps, 263 nm probe beam) and proton deflectometry reveal the formation of high velocity, collimated pairs of jets that originate from the reconnection layer and 0.7 - 1.3 MG magnetic fields at the laser spot edges. Greater jet collimation has been observed using gold target interactions compared to aluminium targets due to radiative cooling effects. Thomson scattering measurements from the reconnection layer are consistent with high electron temperatures (T$_{e}$ $>$ 1 keV) in this region. Similarities and differences to the conditions found in the vicinity of inner hohlraum wall surfaces are discussed.