Characterization of the stability and dynamics of a laser-produced plasma expanding across a strong magnetic field

Abstract

Magnetized laser-produced plasmas are central to many studies in laboratory astrophysics, in inertial confinement fusion, and in industrial applications. Here, we present the results of large-scale three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the dynamics of a laser-produced plasma expanding into a transverse magnetic field with a strength of tens of teslas. The simulations show the plasma being confined by the strong magnetic field into a slender slab structured by the magnetized Rayleigh–Taylor instability that develops at the plasma–vacuum interface. We find that when the initial velocity of the plume is perturbed, the slab can develop kink-like motions that disrupt its propagation.

Computational study of laser-produced plasma, EUV generation, and the impact of magnetic fields

“…In this case, the Hall parameter for electrons (λ mfp,e /rL,e) is greater than unity, which also indicates that electrons are magnetized. It is not shown in the x − y plane in our two-dimensional simulation but previous studies 6,7 describe that the curved shock layer induced by the magnetic field plays a crucial role in redirecting the plasma flow toward the tip of the cavity. This redirection effectively collimates the plasma flow in the y-direction, resulting in a narrow slab-like plasma structure when viewed in the y − z plane.…”

“…The advancement of high-power lasers has spurred interest in investigating magnetic field effects on laser-driven plasma, given its strong connections to the research fields of photonics, 1 inertial confinement fusion, 2,3 and particle physics in plasmas. 4 Especially, it provides proper conditions to conduct laboratory astrophysical research, [5][6][7] enabling a better understanding of the stability, dynamics, and heating of plasma flows in the presence of magnetic fields, which are ubiquitous throughout the universe.…”

“…This slab structure is influenced by the magnetized Rayleigh-Taylor instability (MRTI), where a slab can develop kink-like motions that disrupt its propagation. 6,7,16 In addition to the study of plasma dynamics, significant efforts have been devoted to developing theories and validating thermal conductivity models in magnetized plasmas. While the heat flux in plasma is typically parallel to the temperature gradient, the presence of magnetic fields alters this relationship due to the cyclotron motion of electrons.…”

“…1(e)], which is consistent with the previous studies that have discussed plasma collimation in astrophysical models. [5][6][7] Figure 1(f) is the same case as Fig. 1(d) but with a stronger Bfield strength of 50 T, where plasma (both electrons and ions) is fully magnetized and magnetic pressure dominantly alters plasma expansion.…”

Synergy enhancement and signal uncertainty of magnetic-spatial confinement in fiber-optic laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

“…Parameters like the temperature of laser-produced plasma can help us understand the mechanism of plasma propagation across the magnetic field. 26 In order to explain the emission enhancement of FO-LIBS plasma, the spatial distribution of each emission spectral line and the parameters of each part of the plasma were further studied. FO-LIBS plasma has a more complicated emission spatial distribution than a hemisphere-like plasma; spatially resolved spectra of one dimension are not enough.…”