Magnetic Fields in Laser-Plasma Interactions

Laser-foil interactions provide a simple platform for studying physics related to hohlraums and direct-drive ICF. Proton radiography of these systems allows for probing to densities greater than critical, where the temperature gradients are steep and classical transport breaks down [1] . Quantification of magnetic flux generation around a laser-target interaction confirms that the plasma is non-local; a Biermann suppression term must be included in Gorgon simulations [3] , [4] to match the experimental magnetic flux [2] . Higher magnetic flux generation is found as the target Z is increased, due to shorter electron mean-free paths. These results allow for improved estimates for the impact of self-generated fields on both direct-drive ablation fronts and hohlraums. A direct measurement of Nernst in a laser absorption region is also sought, as this would further constrain the impact of selfgenerated magnetic fields.