Influence of an external strong magnetic field on hydrodynamic parameters and radiation emission of laser produced plasma

Abstract

Results of an experiment in which an elongated plasma column is produced are presented. Plasma was generated by means of a laser pulse (~ 15 J, 1 ns) which was focused on a surface of a flat target situated inside a quasistationary magnetic trap. Plasma expanded freely along or at an angle to the magnetic field lines. Spatial characteristics of the dynamics of interaction of the plasma with the magnetic field were registered by means of various diagnostics, such as: a combined set-up of interferometry, polarimetry and shadowgraphy and also by x-ray imaging and spectroscopy in the x-ray range and visible. Interesting influence of the strong (15-20 T) magnetic field on the plasma dynamics and shape was observed. Results of numerical modelling are compared with the experimental data. The possibility of achieving population inversion and x-ray lasing conditions is discussed.