2-D Kinetic Simulations of Biermann-battery Magnetic Field Generation and Current Sheet Formation in Laser-Solid Interactions*

Magnetic reconnection is a ubiquitous process in astrophysical plasmas, and is thought to play an important role in particle acceleration and  energy conversion. Recent experiments at NIF and OMEGA provide a platform for laboratory studies of magnetic reconnection between high-energy-density plasma plumes.

Using the fully kinetic particle-in-cell (PIC) code PSC, we seek to simulate these conditions and study the plasma’s behavior. Previous 3-D studies have found the Biermann-battery effect, where magnetic fields are generated due to non-parallel density and temperature gradients, to play a crucial role in fast reconnection rates. To further investigate this effect and better match experimental conditions, a first-principles model of the laser energy deposition has been implemented. We model Biermann battery magnetic field generation in plasmas expanding from a thin target, studying the evolution of the magnetic fields and the formation of a current sheet when two plumes collide with each other.