The standard model for the origin of galactic magnetic fields is through the amplification of seed fields via dynamo or turbulent processes to the level consistent with present observations. Although other mechanisms may also operate, currents from misaligned pressure and temperature gradients (the Biermann battery process) inevitably accompany the formation of galaxies in the absence of a primordial field. Driven by geometrical asymmetries in shocks associated with the collapse of protogalactic structures, the Biermann battery is believed to generate tiny seed fields to a level of about 10(-21) gauss (refs 7, 8). With the advent of high-power laser systems in the past two decades, a new area of research has opened in which, using simple scaling relations, astrophysical environments can effectively be reproduced in the laboratory. Here we report the results of an experiment that produced seed magnetic fields by the Biermann battery effect. We show that these results can be scaled to the intergalactic medium, where turbulence, acting on timescales of around 700 million years, can amplify the seed fields sufficiently to affect galaxy evolution.

A three-axis, 2.5 mm overall diameter differential magnetic probe (also known as B-dot probe) is discussed in detail from its design and construction to its calibration and use as diagnostic of fast transient effects in exploding plasmas. A design and construction method is presented as a means to reduce stray pickup, eliminate electrostatic pickup, reduce physical size, and increase magnetic signals while maintaining a high bandwidth. The probe's frequency response is measured in detail from 10 kHz to 50 MHz using the presented calibration method and compared to theory. The effect of the probe's self-induction as a first order correction in frequency, O(omega), on experimental signals and magnetic field calculations is discussed. The probe's viability as a diagnostic is demonstrated by measuring the magnetic field compression and diamagnetism of a sub-Alfvenic (approximately 500 km/s, M(A) approximately 0.36) flow created from the explosion of a high-density energetic laser plasma through a cooler, low-density, magnetized ambient plasma.

We report the first measurements of the formation and structure of a magnetized collisionless shock by a laser-driven magnetic piston in a current-free laboratory plasma. This new class of experiments combines a high-energy laser system and a large magnetized plasma to transfer energy from a laser plasma plume to the ambient ions through collisionless coupling, until a self-sustained M A ∼ 2 magnetosonic shock separates from the piston. The ambient plasma is highly magnetized, current free, and large enough (17 m × 0.6 m) to support Alfvén waves. Magnetic field measurements of the structure and evolution of the shock are consistent with two-dimensional hybrid simulations, which show Larmor coupling between the debris and ambient ions and the presence of reflected ions, which provide the dissipation. The measured shock formation time confirms predictions from computational work.

Two-dimensional hybrid simulations of perpendicular collisionless shocks are modeled after potential laboratory conditions that are attainable in the LArge Plasma Device (LAPD) at the University of California, Los Angeles Basic Plasma Science Facility. The kJ class 1053 nm Nd:Glass Raptor laser will be used to ablate carbon targets in the LAPD with on-target energies of 100-500 J. The ablated debris ions will expand into ambient, partially ionized hydrogen or helium. A parameter study is performed via hybrid simulation to determine possible conditions that could lead to shock formation in future LAPD experiments. Simulation results are presented along with a comparison to an analytical coupling parameter.

We have measured the production of hnu approximately 4.7 keV x rays from low-density Ti-doped aerogel (rho approximately 3 mg/cc) targets at the OMEGA laser facility (University of Rochester), with the goal of maximizing x-ray output. Forty OMEGA beams (lambda(L)=0.351 microm) illuminated the two cylindrical faces of the target with a total power that ranged from 7 to 14 TW. The laser fully ionizes the target (n(e)/n(crit)