1
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Liu P, Wu D, Hu TX, Yuan DW, Zhao G, Sheng ZM, He XT, Zhang J. Ion Kinetics and Neutron Generation Associated with Electromagnetic Turbulence in Laboratory-Scale Counterstreaming Plasmas. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2024; 132:155103. [PMID: 38682966 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.132.155103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Electromagnetic turbulence and ion kinetics in counterstreaming plasmas hold great significance in laboratory astrophysics, such as turbulence field amplification and particle energization. Here, we quantitatively demonstrate for the first time how electromagnetic turbulence affects ion kinetics under achievable laboratory conditions (millimeter-scale interpenetrating plasmas with initial velocity of 2000 km/s, density of 4×10^{19} cm^{-3}, and temperature of 100 eV) utilizing a recently developed high-order implicit particle-in-cell code without scaling transformation. It is found that the electromagnetic turbulence is driven by ion two-stream and filamentation instabilities. For the magnetized scenarios where an applied magnetic field of tens of Tesla is perpendicular to plasma flows, the growth rates of instabilities increase with the strengthening of applied magnetic field, which therefore leads to a significant enhancement of turbulence fields. Under the competition between the stochastic acceleration due to electromagnetic turbulence and collisional thermalization, ion distribution function shows a distinct super-Gaussian shape, and the ion kinetics are manifested in neutron yields and spectra. Our results have well explained the recent unmagnetized experimental observations, and the findings of magnetized scenario can be verified by current astrophysical experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Liu
- Institute for Fusion Theory and Simulation, School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - D Wu
- Key Laboratory for Laser Plasmas and School of Physics and Astronomy, Collaborative Innovation Center of IFSA (CICIFSA), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - T X Hu
- Institute for Fusion Theory and Simulation, School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory for Laser Plasmas and School of Physics and Astronomy, Collaborative Innovation Center of IFSA (CICIFSA), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - D W Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Optical Astronomy, National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - G Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Optical Astronomy, National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Z M Sheng
- Institute for Fusion Theory and Simulation, School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - X T He
- Institute for Fusion Theory and Simulation, School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - J Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Laser Plasmas and School of Physics and Astronomy, Collaborative Innovation Center of IFSA (CICIFSA), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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2
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Zhao Z, He S, An H, Lei Z, Xie Y, Yuan W, Jiao J, Zhou K, Zhang Y, Ye J, Xie Z, Xiong J, Fang Z, He X, Wang W, Zhou W, Zhang B, Zhu S, Qiao B. Laboratory evidence of Weibel magnetogenesis driven by temperature gradient using three-dimensional synchronous proton radiography. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk5229. [PMID: 38569034 PMCID: PMC10990267 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk5229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The origin of the cosmic magnetic field remains an unsolved mystery, relying not only on specific dynamo processes but also on the seed field to be amplified. Recently, the diffuse radio emission and Faraday rotation observations reveal that there has been a microgauss-level magnetic field in intracluster medium in the early universe, which places strong constraints on the strength of the initial field and implies the underlying kinetic effects; the commonly believed Biermann battery can only provide extremely weak seed of 10-21 G. Here, we present evidence for the spontaneous Weibel-type magnetogenesis in laser-produced weakly collisional plasma with the three-dimensional synchronous proton radiography, where the distribution anisotropy directly arises from the temperature gradient, even without the commonly considered interpenetrating plasmas or shear flows. This field can achieve sufficient strength and is sensitive to Coulomb collision. Our results demonstrate the importance of kinetics in magnetogenesis in weakly collisional astrophysical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghai Zhao
- Center for Applied Physics and Technology, HEDPS, and SKLNPT, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shukai He
- Science and Technology on Plasma Physics Laboratory, Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP), Mianyang 621900, China
| | - Honghai An
- Shanghai Institute of Laser Plasma, CAEP, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Zhu Lei
- Center for Applied Physics and Technology, HEDPS, and SKLNPT, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yu Xie
- Center for Applied Physics and Technology, HEDPS, and SKLNPT, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wenqiang Yuan
- Center for Applied Physics and Technology, HEDPS, and SKLNPT, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jinlong Jiao
- Center for Applied Physics and Technology, HEDPS, and SKLNPT, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Kainan Zhou
- Science and Technology on Plasma Physics Laboratory, Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP), Mianyang 621900, China
| | - Yuxue Zhang
- Science and Technology on Plasma Physics Laboratory, Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP), Mianyang 621900, China
| | - Junjian Ye
- Shanghai Institute of Laser Plasma, CAEP, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Zhiyong Xie
- Shanghai Institute of Laser Plasma, CAEP, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Jun Xiong
- Shanghai Institute of Laser Plasma, CAEP, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Zhiheng Fang
- Shanghai Institute of Laser Plasma, CAEP, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Xiantu He
- Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Laser Plasma, CAEP, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Weimin Zhou
- Science and Technology on Plasma Physics Laboratory, Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP), Mianyang 621900, China
| | - Baohan Zhang
- Science and Technology on Plasma Physics Laboratory, Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP), Mianyang 621900, China
| | - Shaoping Zhu
- Science and Technology on Plasma Physics Laboratory, Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP), Mianyang 621900, China
- Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Bin Qiao
- Center for Applied Physics and Technology, HEDPS, and SKLNPT, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Nano-optoelectronic, Peking University, Beijing 100094, China
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3
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Gong Z, Shen X, Hatsagortsyan KZ, Keitel CH. Electron Slingshot Acceleration in Relativistic Preturbulent Shocks Explored via Emitted Photon Polarization. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 131:225101. [PMID: 38101383 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.225101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Transient electron dynamics near the interface of counterstreaming plasmas at the onset of a relativistic collisionless shock (RCS) is investigated using particle-in-cell simulations. We identify a slingshotlike injection process induced by the drifting electric field sustained by the flowing focus of backward-moving electrons, which is distinct from the well-known stochastic acceleration. The flowing focus signifies the plasma kinetic transition from a preturbulent laminar motion to a chaotic turbulence. We find a characteristic correlation between the electron dynamics in the slingshot acceleration and the photon emission features. In particular, the integrated radiation from the RCS exhibits a counterintuitive nonmonotonic dependence of the photon polarization degree on the photon energy, which originates from a polarization degradation of relatively high-energy photons emitted by the slingshot-injected electrons. Our results demonstrate the potential of photon polarization as an essential information source in exploring intricate transient dynamics in RCSs with relevance for Earth-based plasma and astrophysical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Gong
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Saupfercheckweg 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xiaofei Shen
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Saupfercheckweg 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Christoph H Keitel
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Saupfercheckweg 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
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4
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Stream instabilities in optical-field ionization of a monatomic dilute neutral gas in fully relativistic regime. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1301. [PMID: 36693855 PMCID: PMC9873945 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26815-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Stream instabilities arising from anisotropic electron velocity distribution function (EVDF) are discussed in the optical-field ionization mechanism of a monatomic dilute gas by a circularly polarized laser beam in a fully relativistic regime. It is shown that a relativistically rotating electron beam is derived by a circularly polarized laser field with ([Formula: see text]). We show that the following ionization and before collisions thermalize the electrons, the plasma undergoes Buneman and Weibel instabilities. The Weibel and Buneman modes are co-propagating with k normal to the streaming direction. The theoretical results reveal that for the threshold of the relativistic regime ([Formula: see text]), instabilities are aperiodic and grow independently. However, by increasing the laser intensity for [Formula: see text], two instabilities are coupled. The coupling process increased the growth rate of Weibel instability, while the Buneman instability experienced a decrement in its growth rate. For more intense laser radiation, both instabilities are broken into different oscillatory and aperiodic modes.
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5
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Gong Z, Hatsagortsyan KZ, Keitel CH. Electron Polarization in Ultrarelativistic Plasma Current Filamentation Instabilities. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 130:015101. [PMID: 36669225 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.130.015101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plasma current filamentation of an ultrarelativistic electron beam impinging on an overdense plasma is investigated, with emphasis on radiation-induced electron polarization. Particle-in-cell simulations provide the classification and in-depth analysis of three different regimes of the current filaments, namely, the normal filament, abnormal filament, and quenching regimes. We show that electron radiative polarization emerges during the instability along the azimuthal direction in the momentum space, which significantly varies across the regimes. We put forward an intuitive Hamiltonian model to trace the origin of the electron polarization dynamics. In particular, we discern the role of nonlinear transverse motion of plasma filaments, which induces asymmetry in radiative spin flips, yielding an accumulation of electron polarization. Our results break the conventional perception that quasisymmetric fields are inefficient for generating radiative spin-polarized beams, suggesting the potential of electron polarization as a source of new information on laboratory and astrophysical plasma instabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Gong
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Saupfercheckweg 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Christoph H Keitel
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Saupfercheckweg 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
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6
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Abstract
SignificanceAstronomical observations indicate that dynamically important magnetic fields are ubiquitous in the Universe, while their origin remains a profound mystery. This work provides a paradigm for understanding the origin of cosmic magnetism by taking into account the effects of the microphysics of collisionless plasmas on macroscopic astrophysical processes. We demonstrate that the first magnetic fields can be spontaneously generated in the Universe by generic motions of astrophysical turbulence through kinetic plasma physics, and cosmic plasmas are thereby ubiquitously magnetized. Our theoretical and numerical results set the stage for determining how these "seed" magnetic fields are further amplified by the turbulent dynamo (another central and long-standing question) and thus advance a fully self-consistent explanation of cosmic magnetogenesis.
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7
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Johnson CL, Malko S, Fox W, Schaeffer DB, Fiksel G, Adrian PJ, Sutcliffe GD, Birkel A. Proton deflectometry with in situ x-ray reference for absolute measurement of electromagnetic fields in high-energy-density plasmas. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2022; 93:023502. [PMID: 35232152 DOI: 10.1063/5.0064263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We report a technique of proton deflectometry that uses a grid and an in situ reference x-ray grid image for precise measurements of magnetic fields in high-energy-density plasmas. A D3He fusion implosion provides a bright point source of both protons and x-rays, which is split into beamlets by a grid. The protons undergo deflections as they propagate through the plasma region of interest, whereas the x-rays travel along straight lines. The x-ray image, therefore, provides a zero-deflection reference image. The line-integrated magnetic fields are inferred from the shifts of beamlets between the deflected (proton) and reference (x-ray) images. We developed a system for analysis of these data, including automatic algorithms to find beamlet locations and to calculate their deflections from the reference image. The technique is verified in an experiment performed at OMEGA to measure a nonuniform magnetic field in vacuum and then applied to observe the interaction of an expanding plasma plume with the magnetic field.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Johnson
- Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, USA
| | - S Malko
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, USA
| | - W Fox
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, USA
| | - D B Schaeffer
- Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - G Fiksel
- Center for Ultrafast Optical Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - P J Adrian
- Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - G D Sutcliffe
- Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - A Birkel
- Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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8
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Peterson JR, Glenzer S, Fiuza F. Magnetic Field Amplification by a Nonlinear Electron Streaming Instability. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 126:215101. [PMID: 34114855 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.126.215101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic field amplification by relativistic streaming plasma instabilities is central to a wide variety of high-energy astrophysical environments as well as to laboratory scenarios associated with intense lasers and electron beams. We report on a new secondary nonlinear instability that arises for relativistic dilute electron beams after the saturation of the linear Weibel instability. This instability grows due to the transverse magnetic pressure associated with the beam current filaments, which cannot be quickly neutralized due to the inertia of background ions. We show that it can amplify the magnetic field strength and spatial scale by orders of magnitude, leading to large-scale plasma cavities with strong magnetic field and to very efficient conversion of the beam kinetic energy into magnetic energy. The instability growth rate, saturation level, and scale length are derived analytically and shown to be in good agreement with fully kinetic simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Peterson
- Physics Department, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
| | - S Glenzer
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
| | - F Fiuza
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
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9
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Zhang WS, Cai HB, Du B, Kang DG, Zou SY, Zhu SP. Full particle-in-cell simulation of the formation and structure of a collisional plasma shock wave. Phys Rev E 2021; 103:023213. [PMID: 33735973 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.103.023213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The formation and structure of a collisional shock wave in a fully ionized plasma is studied via full particle-in-cell simulations, which allows the complex momentum and energy transfer processes between different charged particles to be treated self-consistently. The kinetic energy of the plasma flow drifting towards a reflecting piston is found to be rapidly converted into thermal motion under the cooperative effects of ion-ion collisions, ion-electron collisions, and electric field charged-particle interactions. The subsequent shock evolution is influenced by the "precursor" ion beam before a quasisteady state is reached. The shock wave structure is then analyzed from a two-fluid transport viewpoint, which is found to be affected by "flux-limiting" electron transport, the nonthermal ions, and the charge separation electric field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Shuai Zhang
- Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Hong-Bo Cai
- Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Bao Du
- Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Dong-Guo Kang
- Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Shi-Yang Zou
- Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Shao-Ping Zhu
- Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing 100094, China
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10
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Zhang C, Hua J, Wu Y, Fang Y, Ma Y, Zhang T, Liu S, Peng B, He Y, Huang CK, Marsh KA, Mori WB, Lu W, Joshi C. Measurements of the Growth and Saturation of Electron Weibel Instability in Optical-Field Ionized Plasmas. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2020; 125:255001. [PMID: 33416364 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.125.255001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The temporal evolution of the magnetic field associated with electron thermal Weibel instability in optical-field ionized plasmas is measured using ultrashort (1.8 ps), relativistic (45 MeV) electron bunches from a linear accelerator. The self-generated magnetic fields are found to self-organize into a quasistatic structure consistent with a helicoid topology within a few picoseconds and such a structure lasts for tens of picoseconds in underdense plasmas. The measured growth rate agrees well with that predicted by the kinetic theory of plasmas taking into account collisions. Magnetic trapping is identified as the dominant saturation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojie Zhang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Jianfei Hua
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yipeng Wu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tianliang Zhang
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yunxiao He
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chen-Kang Huang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Ken A Marsh
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Warren B Mori
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Wei Lu
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chan Joshi
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
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11
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Sinha U, Kumar N. Pair-beam propagation in a magnetized plasma for modeling the polarized radiation emission from gamma-ray bursts in laboratory astrophysics experiments. Phys Rev E 2020; 101:063204. [PMID: 32688524 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.101.063204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The propagation of a relativistic electron-positron beam in a magnetized electron-ion plasma is studied, focusing on the polarization of the radiation generated in this case. Special emphasis is laid on investigating the polarization of the generated radiation for a range of beam-plasma parameters, transverse and longitudinal beam sizes, and the external magnetic fields. Our results not only help in understanding the high degrees of circular polarization observed in gamma-ray bursts, but they also help in distinguishing the different modes associated with the filamentation dynamics of the pair beam in laboratory astrophysics experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujjwal Sinha
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Saupfercheckweg 1, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Naveen Kumar
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Saupfercheckweg 1, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Swadling GF, Bruulsema C, Fiuza F, Higginson DP, Huntington CM, Park HS, Pollock BB, Rozmus W, Rinderknecht HG, Katz J, Birkel A, Ross JS. Measurement of Kinetic-Scale Current Filamentation Dynamics and Associated Magnetic Fields in Interpenetrating Plasmas. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2020; 124:215001. [PMID: 32530650 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.124.215001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We present the first local, quantitative measurements of ion current filamentation and magnetic field amplification in interpenetrating plasmas, characterizing the dynamics of the ion Weibel instability. The interaction of a pair of laser-generated, counterpropagating, collisionless, supersonic plasma flows is probed using optical Thomson scattering (TS). Analysis of the TS ion-feature revealed anticorrelated modulations in the density of the two ion streams at the spatial scale of the ion skin depth c/ω_{pi}=120 μm, and a correlated modulation in the plasma current. The inferred current profile implies a magnetic field amplitude ∼30±6 T, corresponding to ∼1% of the flow kinetic energy, indicating that magnetic trapping is the dominant saturation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- G F Swadling
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - C Bruulsema
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
| | - F Fiuza
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
| | - D P Higginson
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - C M Huntington
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - H-S Park
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - B B Pollock
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - W Rozmus
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
| | - H G Rinderknecht
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - J Katz
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - A Birkel
- Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - J S Ross
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
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13
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Lu Y, Li H, Flippo KA, Kelso K, Liao A, Li S, Liang E. MPRAD: A Monte Carlo and ray-tracing code for the proton radiography in high-energy-density plasma experiments. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2019; 90:123503. [PMID: 31893788 DOI: 10.1063/1.5123392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Proton radiography is used in various high-energy-density (HED) plasma experiments. In this paper, we describe a Monte Carlo and ray-tracing simulation tool called multimegaelectronvolt proton radiography (MPRAD) that can be used for modeling the deflection of proton beams in arbitrary three dimensional electromagnetic fields as well as the diffusion of the proton beams by Coulomb scattering and stopping power. The Coulomb scattering and stopping power models in cold matter and fully ionized plasma are combined using interpolation. We discuss the application of MPRAD in a few setups relevant to HED plasma experiments where the plasma density can play a role in diffusing the proton beams and affecting the prediction and interpretation of the proton images. It is shown how the diffusion due to plasma density can affect the resolution and dynamical range of the proton radiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Lu
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
| | - Kirk A Flippo
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
| | - Kwyntero Kelso
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
| | - Andy Liao
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
| | - Shengtai Li
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
| | - Edison Liang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
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14
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Pelletier G, Gremillet L, Vanthieghem A, Lemoine M. Physics of relativistic collisionless shocks: The scattering-center frame. Phys Rev E 2019; 100:013205. [PMID: 31499760 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.100.013205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In this first paper of a series dedicated to the microphysics of unmagnetized, relativistic collisionless pair shocks, we discuss the physics of the Weibel-type transverse current filamentation instability that develops in the shock precursor, through the interaction of an ultrarelativistic suprathermal particle beam with the background plasma. We introduce in particular the notion of the "Weibel frame," or scattering center frame, in which the microturbulence is of mostly magnetic nature. We calculate the properties of this frame, using first a kinetic formulation of the linear phase of the instability, relying on Maxwell-Jüttner distribution functions, then using a quasistatic model of the nonlinear stage of the instability. Both methods show that (i) the Weibel frame moves at subrelativistic velocities relative to the background plasma, therefore at relativistic velocities relative to the shock front; (ii) the velocity of the Weibel frame relative to the background plasma scales with ξ_{b}, i.e., the pressure of the suprathermal particle beam in units of the momentum flux density incoming into the shock; and (iii) the Weibel frame moves slightly less fast than the background plasma relative to the shock front. Our theoretical results are found to be in satisfactory agreement with the measurements carried out in dedicated large-scale 2D3V particle-in-cell simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Pelletier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-INSU, Institut de Planétologie et d'Astrophysique de Grenoble, F-38041 Grenoble, France
| | | | - Arno Vanthieghem
- Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Sorbonne Université, 98 bis boulevard Arago, F-75014 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Institut Lagrange de Paris, 98 bis boulevard Arago, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Martin Lemoine
- Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Sorbonne Université, 98 bis boulevard Arago, F-75014 Paris, France
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15
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Zhang C, Huang CK, Marsh KA, Clayton CE, Mori WB, Joshi C. Ultrafast optical field-ionized gases-A laboratory platform for studying kinetic plasma instabilities. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaax4545. [PMID: 32047856 PMCID: PMC6984967 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax4545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Kinetic instabilities arising from anisotropic electron velocity distributions are ubiquitous in ionospheric, cosmic, and terrestrial plasmas, yet there are only a handful of experiments that purport to validate their theory. It is known that optical field ionization of atoms using ultrashort laser pulses can generate plasmas with known anisotropic electron velocity distributions. Here, we show that following the ionization but before collisions thermalize the electrons, the plasma undergoes two-stream, filamentation, and Weibel instabilities that isotropize the electron distributions. The polarization-dependent frequency and growth rates of these kinetic instabilities, measured using Thomson scattering of a probe laser, agree well with the kinetic theory and simulations. Thus, we have demonstrated an easily deployable laboratory platform for studying kinetic instabilities in plasmas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojie Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chen-Kang Huang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ken A. Marsh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chris E. Clayton
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Warren B. Mori
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chan Joshi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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16
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Li CK, Tikhonchuk VT, Moreno Q, Sio H, D'Humières E, Ribeyre X, Korneev P, Atzeni S, Betti R, Birkel A, Campbell EM, Follett RK, Frenje JA, Hu SX, Koenig M, Sakawa Y, Sangster TC, Seguin FH, Takabe H, Zhang S, Petrasso RD. Collisionless Shocks Driven by Supersonic Plasma Flows with Self-Generated Magnetic Fields. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2019; 123:055002. [PMID: 31491329 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.123.055002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Collisionless shocks are ubiquitous in the Universe as a consequence of supersonic plasma flows sweeping through interstellar and intergalactic media. These shocks are the cause of many observed astrophysical phenomena, but details of shock structure and behavior remain controversial because of the lack of ways to study them experimentally. Laboratory experiments reported here, with astrophysically relevant plasma parameters, demonstrate for the first time the formation of a quasiperpendicular magnetized collisionless shock. In the upstream it is fringed by a filamented turbulent region, a rudiment for a secondary Weibel-driven shock. This turbulent structure is found responsible for electron acceleration to energies exceeding the average energy by two orders of magnitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- C K Li
- Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - V T Tikhonchuk
- Centre Lasers Intenses et Applications, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, CEA, 33405 Talence, France
- ELI-Beamlines, Institute of Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 25241 Dolní Břežany, Czech Republic
| | - Q Moreno
- Centre Lasers Intenses et Applications, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, CEA, 33405 Talence, France
- ELI-Beamlines, Institute of Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 25241 Dolní Břežany, Czech Republic
| | - H Sio
- Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - E D'Humières
- Centre Lasers Intenses et Applications, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, CEA, 33405 Talence, France
| | - X Ribeyre
- Centre Lasers Intenses et Applications, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, CEA, 33405 Talence, France
| | - Ph Korneev
- National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, 115409 Moscow, Russian Federation
- P. N. Lebedev Physics Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - S Atzeni
- Dipartimento SBAI, Università di Roma "La Sapienza," I-00161 Roma, Italy
| | - R Betti
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA
| | - A Birkel
- Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - E M Campbell
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA
| | - R K Follett
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA
| | - J A Frenje
- Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - S X Hu
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA
| | - M Koenig
- Laboratorire pour l'Utilisation de Lasers Intenses, CNRS CEA, Université Paris VI, École Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Y Sakawa
- Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - T C Sangster
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA
| | - F H Seguin
- Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - H Takabe
- Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - S Zhang
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - R D Petrasso
- Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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17
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Lemoine M, Gremillet L, Pelletier G, Vanthieghem A. Physics of Weibel-Mediated Relativistic Collisionless Shocks. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2019; 123:035101. [PMID: 31386457 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.123.035101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We develop a comprehensive theoretical model of relativistic collisionless pair shocks mediated by the current filamentation instability. We notably characterize the noninertial frame in which this instability is of a mostly magnetic nature, and describe at a microscopic level the deceleration and heating of the incoming background plasma through its collisionless interaction with the electromagnetic turbulence. Our model compares well to large-scale 2D3V particle-in-cell simulations, and provides an important touchstone for the phenomenology of such plasma systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Lemoine
- Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, CNRS-Sorbonne Université, 98 bis boulevard Arago, F-75014 Paris, France
| | | | - Guy Pelletier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS-INSU, Institut de Planétologie et d'Astrophysique de Grenoble (IPAG), F-38041 Grenoble, France
| | - Arno Vanthieghem
- Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, CNRS-Sorbonne Université, 98 bis boulevard Arago, F-75014 Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, Institut Lagrange de Paris (ILP), 98 bis boulevard Arago, F-75014 Paris, France
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18
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Schaeffer DB, Fox W, Follett RK, Fiksel G, Li CK, Matteucci J, Bhattacharjee A, Germaschewski K. Direct Observations of Particle Dynamics in Magnetized Collisionless Shock Precursors in Laser-Produced Plasmas. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2019; 122:245001. [PMID: 31322368 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.122.245001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We present the first laboratory observations of time-resolved electron and ion velocity distributions in magnetized collisionless shock precursors. Thomson scattering of a probe laser beam was used to observe the interaction of a laser-driven, supersonic piston plasma expanding through an ambient plasma in an external magnetic field. From the Thomson-scattered spectra we measure time-resolved profiles of electron density, temperature, and ion flow speed, as well as spatially resolved magnetic fields from proton radiography. We observe direct evidence of the coupling between piston and ambient plasmas, including the acceleration of ambient ions driven by magnetic and pressure gradient electric fields, and deformation of the piston ion flow, key steps in the formation of magnetized collisionless shocks. Even before a shock has fully formed, we observe strong density compressions and electron heating associated with the pileup of piston ions. The results demonstrate that laboratory experiments can probe particle velocity distributions relevant to collisionless shocks, and can complement, and in some cases overcome, the limitations of similar measurements undertaken by spacecraft missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D B Schaeffer
- Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA
| | - W Fox
- Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, USA
| | - R K Follett
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - G Fiksel
- Center for Ultrafast Optical Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - C K Li
- Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J Matteucci
- Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA
| | - A Bhattacharjee
- Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, USA
| | - K Germaschewski
- Space Science Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA
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19
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Sinha U, Keitel CH, Kumar N. Polarized Light from the Transportation of a Matter-Antimatter Beam in a Plasma. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2019; 122:204801. [PMID: 31172739 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.122.204801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A relativistic electron-positron beam propagating through a magnetized electron-ion plasma is shown to generate both circularly and linearly polarized synchrotron radiations, which is intrinsically linked with asymmetric energy dissipation of the pair beam during the filamentation instability dynamics in the background plasma. The ratio of both polarizations |⟨P_{circ}⟩/⟨P_{lin}⟩|∼0.15, occurring for a wide range of beam-plasma parameters, can help in understanding the recent observation of circularly polarized radiation from gamma-ray bursts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujjwal Sinha
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Saupfercheckweg 1, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph H Keitel
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Saupfercheckweg 1, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Naveen Kumar
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Saupfercheckweg 1, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany
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20
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Interrelationship between Lab, Space, Astrophysical, Magnetic Fusion, and Inertial Fusion Plasma Experiments. ATOMS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/atoms7010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this review are to articulate geospace, heliospheric, and astrophysical plasma physics issues that are addressable by laboratory experiments, to convey the wide range of laboratory experiments involved in this interdisciplinary alliance, and to illustrate how lab experiments on the centimeter or meter scale can develop, through the intermediary of a computer simulation, physically credible scaling of physical processes taking place in a distant part of the universe over enormous length scales. The space physics motivation of laboratory investigations and the scaling of laboratory plasma parameters to space plasma conditions, having expanded to magnetic fusion and inertial fusion experiments, are discussed. Examples demonstrating how laboratory experiments develop physical insight, validate or invalidate theoretical models, discover unexpected behavior, and establish observational signatures for the space community are presented. The various device configurations found in space-related laboratory investigations are outlined.
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21
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Zhou S, Bai Y, Tian Y, Sun H, Cao L, Liu J. Self-Organized Kilotesla Magnetic-Tube Array in an Expanding Spherical Plasma Irradiated by kHz Femtosecond Laser Pulses. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2018; 121:255002. [PMID: 30608806 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.121.255002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
By using a millijoule kHz femtosecond laser pulse to irradiate a preformed expanding spherical plasma, which is driven by a prepulse with intensity of 1×10^{14} W/cm^{2}, we observe fast-electron-mediated filamentary structures and an accompanying self-organized magnetic-tube array with 2000 T via time-resolved magneto-optical polarization rotation measurements. We reveal that these periodical filamentary structures predominantly originate from ejected energetic electron flows from the inner denser region of the spherical plasma, which will induce the electron Weibel instability and magnetic field organization and amplification in the expanding plasma in 2 ps. These results open new paths to investigate amplification of intense magnetic fields and the radiation signature from gamma-ray bursts just by means of a much smaller and robust experimental platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Yafeng Bai
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Tian
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihua Cao
- Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing 100088, People's Republic of China
- IFSA Collaborative Innovation Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiansheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of High Field Laser Physics, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, People's Republic of China
- Department of Physics, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Modern Optics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300000, People's Republic of China
- IFSA Collaborative Innovation Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
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22
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Langendorf SJ, Yates KC, Hsu SC, Thoma C, Gilmore M. Experimental Measurements of Ion Heating in Collisional Plasma Shocks and Interpenetrating Supersonic Plasma Flows. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2018; 121:185001. [PMID: 30444415 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.121.185001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We present time-resolved measurements of ion heating due to collisional plasma shocks and interpenetrating supersonic plasma flows, which are formed by the oblique merging of two coaxial-gun-formed plasma jets. Our study is repeated using four jet species: N, Ar, Kr, and Xe. In conditions with small interpenetration between jets, the observed peak ion temperature T_{i} is consistent with the predictions of collisional plasma-shock theory showing a substantial elevation of T_{i} above the electron temperature T_{e} and also the subsequent decrease of T_{i} on the classical ion-electron temperature-equilibration timescale. In conditions of significant interpenetration between jets, such that shocks do not apparently form, the observed peak T_{i} is still appreciable and greater than T_{e} but much lower than that predicted by collisional plasma-shock theory. Experimental results are compared with multifluid plasma simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin C Yates
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
| | - Scott C Hsu
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
| | | | - Mark Gilmore
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
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23
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Fiksel G, Backhus R, Barnak DH, Chang PY, Davies JR, Jacobs-Perkins D, McNally P, Spielman RB, Viges E, Betti R. Inductively coupled 30 T magnetic field platform for magnetized high-energy-density plasma studies. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2018; 89:084703. [PMID: 30184699 DOI: 10.1063/1.5040756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A pulsed high magnetic field device based on the inductively coupled coil concept [D. H. Barnak et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 89, 033501 (2018)] is described. The device can be used for studying magnetized high-energy-density plasma and is capable of producing a pulsed magnetic field of 30 T inside a single-turn coil with an inner diameter of 6.5 mm and a length of 6.3 mm. The magnetic field is created by discharging a high-voltage capacitor through a multi-turn solenoid, which is inductively coupled to a small single-turn coil. The solenoid electric current pulse of tens of kA and a duration of several μs is inductively transformed to hundreds of kA in the single-turn coil, thus enabling a high magnetic field. Unlike directly driven single-turn systems that require a high-current and low-inductive power supply, the inductively coupled system operates using a relatively low-current power supply with very relaxed requirements for its inductance. This arrangement significantly simplifies the design of the power supply and also makes it possible to place the power supply at a significant distance from the coil. In addition, the device is designed to contain possible wire debris, which makes it attractive for debris-sensitive applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Fiksel
- Center for Ultrafast Optical Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - R Backhus
- Space Research Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - D H Barnak
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - P-Y Chang
- Institute of Space and Plasma Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - J R Davies
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - D Jacobs-Perkins
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - P McNally
- Space Research Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - R B Spielman
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - E Viges
- Space Research Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - R Betti
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
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24
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Ruyer C, Fiuza F. Disruption of Current Filaments and Isotropization of the Magnetic Field in Counterstreaming Plasmas. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2018; 120:245002. [PMID: 29956944 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.120.245002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We study the stability of current filaments produced by the Weibel, or current filamentation, instability in weakly magnetized counterstreaming plasmas. It is shown that a resonance exists between the current-carrying ions and a longitudinal drift-kink mode that strongly deforms and eventually breaks the current filaments. Analytical estimates of the wavelength, growth rate, and saturation level of the resonant mode are derived and validated by three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Furthermore, self-consistent simulations of counterstreaming plasmas indicate that this drift-kink mode is dominant in the slow down of the flows and in the isotropization of the magnetic field, playing an important role in the formation of collisionless shocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ruyer
- High Energy Density Science Division, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
- CEA, DAM, DIF, F-91297 Arpajon, France
| | - F Fiuza
- High Energy Density Science Division, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
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25
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Liu C, Fox W, Bhattacharjee A, Thomas AGR, Joglekar AS. Momentum transport and nonlocality in heat-flux-driven magnetic reconnection in high-energy-density plasmas. Phys Rev E 2018; 96:043203. [PMID: 29347495 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.96.043203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Recent theory has demonstrated a novel physics regime for magnetic reconnection in high-energy-density plasmas where the magnetic field is advected by heat flux via the Nernst effect. Here we elucidate the physics of the electron dissipation layer in this regime. Through fully kinetic simulation and a generalized Ohm's law derived from first principles, we show that momentum transport due to a nonlocal effect, the heat-flux-viscosity, provides the dissipation mechanism for magnetic reconnection. Scaling analysis, and simulations show that the reconnection process comprises a magnetic field compression stage and quasisteady reconnection stage, and the characteristic width of the current sheet in this regime is several electron mean-free paths. These results show the important interplay between nonlocal transport effects and generation of anisotropic components to the distribution function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - William Fox
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA
| | - Amitava Bhattacharjee
- Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA.,Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA
| | - Alexander G R Thomas
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YB, United Kingdom.,Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Archis S Joglekar
- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
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26
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Schaeffer DB, Fox W, Haberberger D, Fiksel G, Bhattacharjee A, Barnak DH, Hu SX, Germaschewski K. Generation and Evolution of High-Mach-Number Laser-Driven Magnetized Collisionless Shocks in the Laboratory. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2017; 119:025001. [PMID: 28753335 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.119.025001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We present the first laboratory generation of high-Mach-number magnetized collisionless shocks created through the interaction of an expanding laser-driven plasma with a magnetized ambient plasma. Time-resolved, two-dimensional imaging of plasma density and magnetic fields shows the formation and evolution of a supercritical shock propagating at magnetosonic Mach number M_{ms}≈12. Particle-in-cell simulations constrained by experimental data further detail the shock formation and separate dynamics of the multi-ion-species ambient plasma. The results show that the shocks form on time scales as fast as one gyroperiod, aided by the efficient coupling of energy, and the generation of a magnetic barrier between the piston and ambient ions. The development of this experimental platform complements present remote sensing and spacecraft observations, and opens the way for controlled laboratory investigations of high-Mach number collisionless shocks, including the mechanisms and efficiency of particle acceleration.
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Affiliation(s)
- D B Schaeffer
- Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA
| | - W Fox
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, USA
| | - D Haberberger
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - G Fiksel
- Center for Ultrafast Optical Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - A Bhattacharjee
- Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, USA
| | - D H Barnak
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
- Fusion Science Center for Extreme States of Matter, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - S X Hu
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - K Germaschewski
- Space Science Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA
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27
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Ross JS, Higginson DP, Ryutov D, Fiuza F, Hatarik R, Huntington CM, Kalantar DH, Link A, Pollock BB, Remington BA, Rinderknecht HG, Swadling GF, Turnbull DP, Weber S, Wilks S, Froula DH, Rosenberg MJ, Morita T, Sakawa Y, Takabe H, Drake RP, Kuranz C, Gregori G, Meinecke J, Levy MC, Koenig M, Spitkovsky A, Petrasso RD, Li CK, Sio H, Lahmann B, Zylstra AB, Park HS. Transition from Collisional to Collisionless Regimes in Interpenetrating Plasma Flows on the National Ignition Facility. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2017; 118:185003. [PMID: 28524679 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.118.185003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A study of the transition from collisional to collisionless plasma flows has been carried out at the National Ignition Facility using high Mach number (M>4) counterstreaming plasmas. In these experiments, CD-CD and CD-CH planar foils separated by 6-10 mm are irradiated with laser energies of 250 kJ per foil, generating ∼1000 km/s plasma flows. Varying the foil separation distance scales the ion density and average bulk velocity and, therefore, the ion-ion Coulomb mean free path, at the interaction region at the midplane. The characteristics of the flow interaction have been inferred from the neutrons and protons generated by deuteron-deuteron interactions and by x-ray emission from the hot, interpenetrating, and interacting plasmas. A localized burst of neutrons and bright x-ray emission near the midpoint of the counterstreaming flows was observed, suggesting strong heating and the initial stages of shock formation. As the separation of the CD-CH foils increases we observe enhanced neutron production compared to particle-in-cell simulations that include Coulomb collisions, but do not include collective collisionless plasma instabilities. The observed plasma heating and enhanced neutron production is consistent with the initial stages of collisionless shock formation, mediated by the Weibel filamentation instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Ross
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - D P Higginson
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - D Ryutov
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - F Fiuza
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - R Hatarik
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - C M Huntington
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - D H Kalantar
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - A Link
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - B B Pollock
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - B A Remington
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - H G Rinderknecht
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - G F Swadling
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - D P Turnbull
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - S Weber
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - S Wilks
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - D H Froula
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 E. River Road, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - M J Rosenberg
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 E. River Road, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - T Morita
- Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-Koen, Kasuga, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan
| | - Y Sakawa
- Osaka University, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - H Takabe
- Osaka University, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - R P Drake
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - C Kuranz
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - G Gregori
- Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
| | - J Meinecke
- Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
| | - M C Levy
- Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
| | - M Koenig
- LULI, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, Universit Paris 6, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - A Spitkovsky
- Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - R D Petrasso
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - C K Li
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - H Sio
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - B Lahmann
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - A B Zylstra
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
| | - H-S Park
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
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28
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Goyon C, Pollock BB, Turnbull DP, Hazi A, Divol L, Farmer WA, Haberberger D, Javedani J, Johnson AJ, Kemp A, Levy MC, Grant Logan B, Mariscal DA, Landen OL, Patankar S, Ross JS, Rubenchik AM, Swadling GF, Williams GJ, Fujioka S, Law KFF, Moody JD. Ultrafast probing of magnetic field growth inside a laser-driven solenoid. Phys Rev E 2017; 95:033208. [PMID: 28415195 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.95.033208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We report on the detection of the time-dependent B-field amplitude and topology in a laser-driven solenoid. The B-field inferred from both proton deflectometry and Faraday rotation ramps up linearly in time reaching 210 ± 35 T at the end of a 0.75-ns laser drive with 1 TW at 351 nm. A lumped-element circuit model agrees well with the linear rise and suggests that the blow-off plasma screens the field between the plates leading to an increased plate capacitance that converts the laser-generated hot-electron current into a voltage source that drives current through the solenoid. ALE3D modeling shows that target disassembly and current diffusion may limit the B-field increase for longer laser drive. Scaling of these experimental results to a National Ignition Facility (NIF) hohlraum target size (∼0.2cm^{3}) indicates that it is possible to achieve several tens of Tesla.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Goyon
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - B B Pollock
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - D P Turnbull
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - A Hazi
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - L Divol
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - W A Farmer
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - D Haberberger
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - J Javedani
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - A J Johnson
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - A Kemp
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - M C Levy
- Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
| | - B Grant Logan
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - D A Mariscal
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - O L Landen
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - S Patankar
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - J S Ross
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - A M Rubenchik
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - G F Swadling
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - G J Williams
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - S Fujioka
- Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - K F F Law
- Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - J D Moody
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
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29
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Grassi A, Grech M, Amiranoff F, Pegoraro F, Macchi A, Riconda C. Electron Weibel instability in relativistic counterstreaming plasmas with flow-aligned external magnetic fields. Phys Rev E 2017; 95:023203. [PMID: 28297911 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.95.023203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The Weibel instability driven by two symmetric counterstreaming relativistic electron plasmas, also referred to as current-filamentation instability, is studied in a constant and uniform external magnetic field aligned with the plasma flows. Both the linear and nonlinear stages of the instability are investigated using analytical modeling and particle-in-cell simulations. While previous studies have already described the stabilizing effect of the magnetic field, we show here that the saturation stage is only weakly affected. The different mechanisms responsible for the saturation are discussed in detail in the relativistic cold fluid framework considering a single unstable mode. The application of an external field leads to a slight increase of the saturation level for large wavelengths, while it does not affect the small wavelengths. Multimode and temperature effects are then investigated. While at high temperature the saturation level is independent of the external magnetic field, at low but finite temperature the competition between different modes in the presence of an external magnetic field leads to a saturation level lower with respect to the unmagnetized case.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Grassi
- LULI, UPMC Université Paris 06: Sorbonne Universités, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, F-75252 Paris Cedex 05, France.,Dipartimento di Fisica Enrico Fermi, Università di Pisa, Largo Bruno Pontecorvo 3, I-56127 Pisa, Italy.,Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR/INO), u.o.s. Adriano Gozzini, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - M Grech
- LULI, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, UPMC Université Paris 06: Sorbonne Universités, F-91128 Palaiseau Cedex, France
| | - F Amiranoff
- LULI, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, UPMC Université Paris 06: Sorbonne Universités, F-91128 Palaiseau Cedex, France
| | - F Pegoraro
- Dipartimento di Fisica Enrico Fermi, Università di Pisa, Largo Bruno Pontecorvo 3, I-56127 Pisa, Italy.,Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR/INO), u.o.s. Adriano Gozzini, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - A Macchi
- Dipartimento di Fisica Enrico Fermi, Università di Pisa, Largo Bruno Pontecorvo 3, I-56127 Pisa, Italy.,Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR/INO), u.o.s. Adriano Gozzini, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - C Riconda
- LULI, UPMC Université Paris 06: Sorbonne Universités, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, F-75252 Paris Cedex 05, France
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30
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Formation and evolution of a pair of collisionless shocks in counter-streaming flows. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42915. [PMID: 28266497 PMCID: PMC5339721 DOI: 10.1038/srep42915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A pair of collisionless shocks that propagate in the opposite directions are firstly observed in the interactions of laser-produced counter-streaming flows. The flows are generated by irradiating a pair of opposing copper foils with eight laser beams at the Shenguang-II (SG-II) laser facility. The experimental results indicate that the excited shocks are collisionless and electrostatic, in good agreement with the theoretical model of electrostatic shock. The particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations verify that a strong electrostatic field growing from the interaction region contributes to the shocks formation. The evolution is driven by the thermal pressure gradient between the upstream and the downstream. Theoretical analysis indicates that the strength of the shocks is enhanced with the decreasing density ratio during both flows interpenetration. The positive feedback can offset the shock decay process. This is probable the main reason why the electrostatic shocks can keep stable for a longer time in our experiment.
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31
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Ruyer C, Gremillet L, Bonnaud G, Riconda C. Analytical Predictions of Field and Plasma Dynamics during Nonlinear Weibel-Mediated Flow Collisions. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2016; 117:065001. [PMID: 27541468 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.117.065001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The formation of collisionless shocks mediated by the ion Weibel instability is addressed theoretically and numerically in the nonrelativistic limit. First, the model developed in C. Ruyer et al., Phys. Plasmas 22, 032102 (2015) for the weakly nonlinear ion Weibel instability in a symmetric two-stream system is shown to be consistent with recent experimental and simulation results. Large-scale kinetic simulations are then performed to clarify the spatiotemporal evolution of the magnetic-field and plasma properties in the subsequent strongly nonlinear phase leading to shock formation. A simple analytical model is proposed which captures the simulation results up to a point close to ion isotropization. Electron screening effects are found important in the instability dynamics, so that numerical simulations using a nonphysical electron mass should be considered with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ruyer
- CEA, DAM, DIF, F-91297 Arpajon, France
- LULI, Ecole Polytechnique-CNRS-CEA-UPMC, Université Paris-Saclay, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | | | - G Bonnaud
- INSTN, CEA-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - C Riconda
- LULI, Sorbonne Universités-UPMC-Ecole Polytechnique-CNRS-CEA, 75005 Paris, France
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32
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Optimizing laser-driven proton acceleration from overdense targets. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29402. [PMID: 27435449 PMCID: PMC4951642 DOI: 10.1038/srep29402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate how to tune the main ion acceleration mechanism in laser-plasma interactions to collisionless shock acceleration, thus achieving control over the final ion beam properties (e. g. maximum energy, divergence, number of accelerated ions). We investigate this technique with three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations and illustrate a possible experimental realisation. The setup consists of an isolated solid density target, which is preheated by a first laser pulse to initiate target expansion, and a second one to trigger acceleration. The timing between the two laser pulses allows to access all ion acceleration regimes, ranging from target normal sheath acceleration, to hole boring and collisionless shock acceleration. We further demonstrate that the most energetic ions are produced by collisionless shock acceleration, if the target density is near-critical, ne ≈ 0.5 ncr. A scaling of the laser power shows that 100 MeV protons may be achieved in the PW range.
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33
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Del Sarto D, Pegoraro F, Califano F. Pressure anisotropy and small spatial scales induced by velocity shear. Phys Rev E 2016; 93:053203. [PMID: 27300991 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.93.053203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
By including the full pressure tensor dynamics in a fluid plasma model, we show that a sheared velocity field can provide an effective mechanism that makes the initial isotropic pressure nongyrotropic. This is distinct from the usual gyrotropic anisotropy related to the fluid compressibility and usually accounted for in double-adiabatic models. We determine the time evolution of the pressure agyrotropy and discuss how the propagation of "magnetoelastic perturbations" can affect the pressure tensor anisotropization and its spatial filamentation, which are due to the action of both the magnetic field and the flow strain tensor. We support this analysis with a numerical integration of the nonlinear equations describing the pressure tensor evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Del Sarto
- Institut Jean Lamour, UMR CNRS 7198 and Université de Lorraine, B.P. 70239, F-54506 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France
| | - F Pegoraro
- Physics Department and CNISM, University of Pisa, 56216 Pisa, Italy
| | - F Califano
- Physics Department and CNISM, University of Pisa, 56216 Pisa, Italy
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34
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Marcowith A, Bret A, Bykov A, Dieckman ME, Drury LO, Lembège B, Lemoine M, Morlino G, Murphy G, Pelletier G, Plotnikov I, Reville B, Riquelme M, Sironi L, Novo AS. The microphysics of collisionless shock waves. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2016; 79:046901. [PMID: 27007555 DOI: 10.1088/0034-4885/79/4/046901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Collisionless shocks, that is shocks mediated by electromagnetic processes, are customary in space physics and in astrophysics. They are to be found in a great variety of objects and environments: magnetospheric and heliospheric shocks, supernova remnants, pulsar winds and their nebulæ, active galactic nuclei, gamma-ray bursts and clusters of galaxies shock waves. Collisionless shock microphysics enters at different stages of shock formation, shock dynamics and particle energization and/or acceleration. It turns out that the shock phenomenon is a multi-scale non-linear problem in time and space. It is complexified by the impact due to high-energy cosmic rays in astrophysical environments. This review adresses the physics of shock formation, shock dynamics and particle acceleration based on a close examination of available multi-wavelength or in situ observations, analytical and numerical developments. A particular emphasis is made on the different instabilities triggered during the shock formation and in association with particle acceleration processes with regards to the properties of the background upstream medium. It appears that among the most important parameters the background magnetic field through the magnetization and its obliquity is the dominant one. The shock velocity that can reach relativistic speeds has also a strong impact over the development of the micro-instabilities and the fate of particle acceleration. Recent developments of laboratory shock experiments has started to bring some new insights in the physics of space plasma and astrophysical shock waves. A special section is dedicated to new laser plasma experiments probing shock physics.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Marcowith
- Laboratoire Univers et Particules de Montpellier CNRS/Université de Montpellier, Place E. Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France
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35
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Yuan D, Wu J, Li Y, Lu X, Zhong J, Yin C, Su L, Liao G, Wei H, Zhang K, Han B, Wang L, Jiang S, Du K, Ding Y, Zhu J, He X, Zhao G, Zhang J. MODELING SUPERSONIC-JET DEFLECTION IN THE HERBIG–HARO 110-270 SYSTEM WITH HIGH-POWER LASERS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1088/0004-637x/815/1/46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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36
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Lobet M, Ruyer C, Debayle A, d'Humières E, Grech M, Lemoine M, Gremillet L. Ultrafast Synchrotron-Enhanced Thermalization of Laser-Driven Colliding Pair Plasmas. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2015; 115:215003. [PMID: 26636856 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.115.215003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We report on the first self-consistent numerical study of the feasibility of laser-driven relativistic pair shocks of prime interest for high-energy astrophysics. Using a QED-particle-in-cell code, we simulate the collective interaction between two counterstreaming electron-positron jets driven from solid foils by short-pulse (~60 fs), high-energy (~100 kJ) lasers. We show that the dissipation caused by self-induced, ultrastrong (>10^{6} T) electromagnetic fluctuations is amplified by intense synchrotron emission, which enhances the magnetic confinement and compression of the colliding jets.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lobet
- CEA, DAM, DIF, F-91297, Arpajon, France
- CELIA, UMR 5107, Université de Bordeaux-CNRS-CEA, 33405, Talence
| | - C Ruyer
- CEA, DAM, DIF, F-91297, Arpajon, France
| | - A Debayle
- CEA, DAM, DIF, F-91297, Arpajon, France
| | - E d'Humières
- CELIA, UMR 5107, Université de Bordeaux-CNRS-CEA, 33405, Talence
| | - M Grech
- LULI, UMR 7605, CNRS-CEA-École Polytechnique-Université Paris VI, École Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - M Lemoine
- Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, CNRS, UPMC, 98 bis boulevard Arago, F-75014 Paris, France
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37
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Gao L, Nilson PM, Igumenshchev IV, Haines MG, Froula DH, Betti R, Meyerhofer DD. Precision mapping of laser-driven magnetic fields and their evolution in high-energy-density plasmas. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2015; 114:215003. [PMID: 26066442 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.114.215003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The magnetic fields generated at the surface of a laser-irradiated planar solid target are mapped using ultrafast proton radiography. Thick (50 μm) plastic foils are irradiated with 4-kJ, 2.5-ns laser pulses focused to an intensity of 4×10^{14} W/cm^{2}. The data show magnetic fields concentrated at the edge of the laser-focal region, well within the expanding coronal plasma. The magnetic-field spatial distribution is tracked and shows good agreement with 2D resistive magnetohydrodynamic simulations using the code draco when the Biermann battery source, fluid and Nernst advection, resistive magnetic diffusion, and Righi-Leduc heat flow are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Gao
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - P M Nilson
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
- Fusion Science Center for Extreme States of Matter, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - I V Igumenshchev
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - M G Haines
- Department of Physics, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - D H Froula
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - R Betti
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
- Fusion Science Center for Extreme States of Matter, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - D D Meyerhofer
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
- Fusion Science Center for Extreme States of Matter, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
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38
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Levy MC, Ryutov DD, Wilks SC, Ross JS, Huntington CM, Fiuza F, Martinez DA, Kugland NL, Baring MG, Park HS. Development of an interpretive simulation tool for the proton radiography technique. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2015; 86:033302. [PMID: 25832218 DOI: 10.1063/1.4909536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Proton radiography is a useful diagnostic of high energy density (HED) plasmas under active theoretical and experimental development. In this paper, we describe a new simulation tool that interacts realistic laser-driven point-like proton sources with three dimensional electromagnetic fields of arbitrary strength and structure and synthesizes the associated high resolution proton radiograph. The present tool's numerical approach captures all relevant physics effects, including effects related to the formation of caustics. Electromagnetic fields can be imported from particle-in-cell or hydrodynamic codes in a streamlined fashion, and a library of electromagnetic field "primitives" is also provided. This latter capability allows users to add a primitive, modify the field strength, rotate a primitive, and so on, while quickly generating a high resolution radiograph at each step. In this way, our tool enables the user to deconstruct features in a radiograph and interpret them in connection to specific underlying electromagnetic field elements. We show an example application of the tool in connection to experimental observations of the Weibel instability in counterstreaming plasmas, using ∼10(8) particles generated from a realistic laser-driven point-like proton source, imaging fields which cover volumes of ∼10 mm(3). Insights derived from this application show that the tool can support understanding of HED plasmas.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Levy
- Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
| | - D D Ryutov
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - S C Wilks
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - J S Ross
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - C M Huntington
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - F Fiuza
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - D A Martinez
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - N L Kugland
- Lam Research Corporation, 4400 Cushing Parkway, Fremont, California 94538, USA
| | - M G Baring
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
| | - H-S Park
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Hantao Ji
- Department of Astrophysical Sciences and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Laboratory for Space Environment and Physical Sciences, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Ellen Zweibel
- Departments of Astronomy and Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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40
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Fiksel G, Agliata A, Barnak D, Brent G, Chang PY, Folnsbee L, Gates G, Hasset D, Lonobile D, Magoon J, Mastrosimone D, Shoup MJ, Betti R. Note: Experimental platform for magnetized high-energy-density plasma studies at the omega laser facility. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2015; 86:016105. [PMID: 25638132 DOI: 10.1063/1.4905625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
An upgrade of the pulsed magnetic field generator magneto-inertial fusion electrical discharge system [O. Gotchev et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 80, 043504 (2009)] is described. The device is used to study magnetized high-energy-density plasma and is capable of producing a pulsed magnetic field of tens of tesla in a volume of a few cubic centimeters. The magnetic field is created by discharging a high-voltage capacitor through a small wire-wound coil. The coil current pulse has a duration of about 1 μs and a peak value of 40 kA. Compared to the original, the updated version has a larger energy storage and improved switching system. In addition, magnetic coils are fabricated using 3-D printing technology which allows for a greater variety of the magnetic field topology.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Fiksel
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
| | - A Agliata
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
| | - D Barnak
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
| | - G Brent
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
| | - P-Y Chang
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
| | - L Folnsbee
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
| | - G Gates
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
| | - D Hasset
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
| | - D Lonobile
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
| | - J Magoon
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
| | - D Mastrosimone
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
| | - M J Shoup
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
| | - R Betti
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, 250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York 14623-1299, USA
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Ross JS, Moody JD, Fiuza F, Ryutov D, Divol L, Huntington CM, Park HS. Thomson scattering measurements from asymmetric interpenetrating plasma flows. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2014; 85:11E613. [PMID: 25430359 DOI: 10.1063/1.4891974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Imaging Thomson scattering measurements of collective ion-acoustic fluctuations have been utilized to determine ion temperature and density from laser produced counter-streaming asymmetric flows. Two foils are heated with 8 laser beams each, 500 J per beam, at the Omega Laser facility. Measurements are made 4 mm from the foil surface using a 60 J 2ω probe laser with a 200 ps pulse length. Measuring the electron density and temperature from the electron-plasma fluctuations constrains the fit of the multi-ion species, asymmetric flows theoretical form factor for the ion feature such that the ion temperatures, ion densities, and flow velocities for each plasma flow are determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Ross
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - J D Moody
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - F Fiuza
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - D Ryutov
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - L Divol
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - C M Huntington
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - H-S Park
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94551, USA
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Clark SE, Everson ET, Schaeffer DB, Bondarenko AS, Constantin CG, Niemann C, Winske D. Enhanced collisionless shock formation in a magnetized plasma containing a density gradient. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2014; 90:041101. [PMID: 25375430 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.90.041101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional hybrid simulations of super-Alfvénic expanding debris plasma interacting with an inhomogeneous ambient plasma are presented. The simulations demonstrate improved collisionless coupling of energy to the ambient ions when encountering a density gradient. Simulations of an expanding cylinder running into a step function gradient are performed and compared to a simple analytical theory. Magnetic flux probe data from a laboratory shock experiment are compared to a simulation with a more realistic debris expansion and ambient ion density. The simulation confirms that a shock is formed and propagates within the high density region of ambient plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Clark
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - E T Everson
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - D B Schaeffer
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - A S Bondarenko
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - C G Constantin
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - C Niemann
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - D Winske
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
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Fiksel G, Fox W, Bhattacharjee A, Barnak DH, Chang PY, Germaschewski K, Hu SX, Nilson PM. Magnetic reconnection between colliding magnetized laser-produced plasma plumes. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2014; 113:105003. [PMID: 25238366 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.113.105003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Observations of magnetic reconnection between colliding plumes of magnetized laser-produced plasma are presented. Two counterpropagating plasma flows are created by irradiating oppositely placed plastic (CH) targets with 1.8-kJ, 2-ns laser beams on the Omega EP Laser System. The interaction region between the plumes is prefilled with a low-density background plasma and magnetized by an externally applied magnetic field, imposed perpendicular to the plasma flow, and initialized with an X-type null point geometry with B=0 at the midplane and B=8 T at the targets. The counterflowing plumes sweep up and compress the background plasma and the magnetic field into a pair of magnetized ribbons, which collide, stagnate, and reconnect at the midplane, allowing the first detailed observations of a stretched current sheet in laser-driven reconnection experiments. The dynamics of current sheet formation are in good agreement with first-principles particle-in-cell simulations that model the experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Fiksel
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA and Fusion Science Center for Extreme States of Matter, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - W Fox
- Department of Astrophysical Sciences and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, USA
| | - A Bhattacharjee
- Department of Astrophysical Sciences and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, USA
| | - D H Barnak
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA and Fusion Science Center for Extreme States of Matter, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - P-Y Chang
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA and Fusion Science Center for Extreme States of Matter, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - K Germaschewski
- Space Science Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA
| | - S X Hu
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
| | - P M Nilson
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA and Fusion Science Center for Extreme States of Matter, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14623, USA
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Stockem A, Grismayer T, Fonseca RA, Silva LO. Electromagnetic field generation in the downstream of electrostatic shocks due to electron trapping. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2014; 113:105002. [PMID: 25238365 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.113.105002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A new magnetic field generation mechanism in electrostatic shocks is found, which can produce fields with magnetic energy density as high as 0.01 of the kinetic energy density of the flows on time scales ∼10(4)ωpe-1. Electron trapping during the shock formation process creates a strong temperature anisotropy in the distribution function, giving rise to the pure Weibel instability. The generated magnetic field is well confined to the downstream region of the electrostatic shock. The shock formation process is not modified, and the features of the shock front responsible for ion acceleration, which are currently probed in laser-plasma laboratory experiments, are maintained. However, such a strong magnetic field determines the particle trajectories downstream and has the potential to modify the signatures of the collisionless shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stockem
- Institut für Theoretische Physik, Lehrstuhl IV: Weltraum- und Astrophysik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, D-44780 Bochum, Germany and GoLP/Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear-Laboratório Associado, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - T Grismayer
- GoLP/Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear-Laboratório Associado, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - R A Fonseca
- GoLP/Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear-Laboratório Associado, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal and ISCTE Instituto Universitário Lisboa, Avenida das Forças Armadas, 1649-026 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - L O Silva
- GoLP/Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear-Laboratório Associado, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
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