Measurement of intense magnetic fields associated with laser−produced plasmas

Abstract

Measurements have been made with subnanosecond resolution of the azimuthal magnetic field spontaneously associated with plasmas produced by high-intensity (1012–1014 W/cm2) 1-nsec-duration CO2 laser pulses. In addition to a distinct dependence on background argon gas pressure, it is found that the magnetic field displays a 1/r2 radial dependence, and its onset is synchronous with the initial formation of the plasma.