Novel studies of magnetized ions and electrons in shock-driven exploding pusher experiments

We present an experimental investigation of how the implosion symmetry and dynamics of a laser-generated high-energy-density (HED) plasma is affected by a 25-50 T applied magnetic field. In this novel regime, both the ions (χ_i ~ 1) and electrons (χ_e >> 1) are magnetized, limiting their mobility perpendicular to the magnetic field because of their gyroradius rather than their mean free path. D³He gas-filled glass capsules were illuminated using a pole-heavy, 16.5 kJ, 1 ns laser pulse at OMEGA. 25 T and 50 T magnetic fields generated by the magneto-inertial fusion electrical discharge system (MIFEDS) were applied to these implosions. Time-resolved, spatially-resolved and integrated x-ray and nuclear measurements were made to study how magnetization affects electron-heat conduction in the plasma core and corona, kinetic ion physics, ion viscosity, and plasma instability and mix. Preliminary results suggest that the suppressed electron heat conduction causes a higher electron temperature (T_e) and a steeper T_e profile, and that the increased implosion asymmetry from the magnetic field increases the burn duration. Interpretation of the experiment is guided by 2D GORGON simulations.