Proton radiography of relativistic magnetic reconnection driven by ultra-high intensity lasers

ORAL

Abstract

In recent experiments conducted with the OMEGA-EP laser facility at LLE and the Vulcan laser at RAL, proton radiography was used to observe in detail the magnetic field dynamics associated with magnetic reconnection driven by ultra-high intensity, short pulse lasers. Two configurations were investigated: one with two short pulses focused on target in close proximity and another with a short pulse fired near a relatively slowly evolving long pulse produced plasma. The proton radiography results, along with x-ray imaging and angularly resolved electron spectra will be presented.

*This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration under Award Number DE-0002727.

–

Authors

  • Paul Campbell

    • University of Michigan
    • Univ of Michigan - Ann Arbor

  • A. Raymond

    • University of Michigan

  • C. A. J. Palmer

    • Lancaster University

  • Y. Ma

    • Lancaster University

  • H. Chen

    • LLNL

  • Y. Katzir

    • RAL

  • C. Mileham

    • LLE

  • P. M. Nilson

    • LLE

  • C. P. Ridgers

    • University of York

  • A. G. R. Thomas

    • University of Michigan

  • E. R. Tubman

    • Imperial College London

  • M. S. Wei

    • General Atomics

  • G. J. Williams

    • LLNL

  • N. Woolsey

    • University of York

  • L. Willingale

    • University of Michigan

  • K. Krushelnick

    • University of Michigan