Transport and energy deposition of laser-driven relativistic electrons in magnetized dense plasma*

Understanding the impact of magnetic fields is crucial for advanced fusion schemes such as Fast Ignition Inertial Confinement Fusion [1] and Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion [2]. In this study, we examined the transport and energy deposition of laser-driven relativistic electrons with and without an external magnetic field. Experiments were conducted using OMEGA long pulse lasers to implode a plastic cylinder foam. Subsequently, EP short pulse laser-driven relativistic electrons traversed the cylindrical target compression. The implosion history was captured using an X-ray framing camera, and K-shell spectroscopy to measure electron transport at either end of the cylinder. Data comparisons with and without an external magnetic field of ~18 Tesla revealed significant differences. Computational studies using radiation-hydrodynamic code and a hybrid-PIC code explained the underlying physics, including the clear focusing of electron beam under the magnetic field conditions and distinct energy deposition. We will present detailed experimental data and a quantitative comparison with simulation.

[1] M. Tabak et al., Ignition and high gain with ultrapowerful lasers. Phys. Plasmas 1, 1626–1634 1994

[2] J. R. Davies et al., Laser-driven magnetized liner inertial fusion. Phys. Plasmas 24, 062701 2017