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Magnetic field generation, Weibel-mediated collisionless shocks, and magnetic reconnection in colliding laser-produced plasmas

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 October 2016

W. Fox ,
A. Bhattacharjee  and
G. Fiksel
W. Fox
Affiliation:
Princeton Plasma Physics LaboratoryP.O. Box 451, Princeton, NJ 08543USA email: wfox@pppl.gov
A. Bhattacharjee
Affiliation:
Princeton Plasma Physics LaboratoryP.O. Box 451, Princeton, NJ 08543USA Princeton University, Dept. of Astrophysical SciencesPrinceton, NJ 08543USA
G. Fiksel
Affiliation:
University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser EnergeticsRochester, NY 14623, USA University of Michigan, Dept. of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological ScienceAnn Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Abstract

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Colliding plasmas are ubiquitous in astrophysical environments and allow conversion of kinetic energy into heat and, most importantly, the acceleration of particles to extremely high energies to form the cosmic ray spectrum. In collisionless astrophysical plasmas, kinetic plasma processes govern the interaction and particle acceleration processes, including shock formation, self-generation of magnetic fields by kinetic plasma instabilities, and magnetic field compression and reconnection. How each of these contribute to the observed spectra of cosmic rays is not fully understood, in particular both shock acceleration processes and magnetic reconnection have been proposed. We will review recent results of laboratory astrophysics experiments conducted at high-power, inertial-fusion-class laser facilities, which have uncovered significant results relevant to these processes. Recent experiments have now observed the long-sought Weibel instability between two interpenetrating high temperature plasma plumes, which has been proposed to generate the magnetic field necessary for shock formation in unmagnetized regimes. Secondly, magnetic reconnection has been studied in systems of colliding plasmas using either self-generated magnetic fields or externally applied magnetic fields, and show extremely fast reconnection rates, indicating fast destruction of magnetic energy and further possibilities to accelerate particles. Finally, we highlight kinetic plasma simulations, which have proven to be essential tools in the design and interpretation of these experiments.

Keywords

plasmasmagnetic fieldsshock wavesacceleration of particles
Type
Contributed Papers
Information
Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union , Volume 11 , General Assembly A29A: Astronomy in Focus , August 2015 , pp. 329 - 332
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2016 

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