Hohlraum fields with monoenergetic proton radiography at OMEGA

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Nuclear Fusion
• Electromagnetism

Background:

• Understanding laser-driven hohlraum plasmas is crucial for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments.
• Self-generated electric and magnetic fields significantly influence plasma properties like heat transport.
• The precise strength and distribution of these fields in hohlraums are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the strength and distribution of electromagnetic fields in laser-driven vacuum hohlraums.
• To develop and apply novel methods for analyzing these fields.
• To improve the understanding of plasma behavior in ICF relevant conditions.

Main Methods:

• Experiments were conducted at the OMEGA laser facility.
• Monoenergetic proton radiography was used to probe laser-driven vacuum hohlraums.
• Reconstructive methods were employed to analyze proton deflections, and a new technique was developed to differentiate electric and magnetic field effects.

Main Results:

• Proton radiography successfully probed laser-driven vacuum hohlraums.
• A novel technique was developed to disentangle electric and magnetic field contributions to proton deflections.
• This allowed for a more accurate characterization of electromagnetic fields within the hohlraum.

Conclusions:

• The study provides critical insights into the electromagnetic fields present in laser-driven hohlraum plasmas.
• The developed technique enhances the analysis of proton radiography data in magnetized plasmas.
• This research contributes to the advancement of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) by improving plasma modeling and diagnostics.