Directed High Energy Radiation and Particle Beams Generated Using Extreme Magnetic Fields

Abstract

The multi-PW, multi-beam laser facilities that are currently under construction will offer a unique capability of driving multiple current filaments in a dense plasma that can sustain extreme magnetic fields. The main goal of the project is to investigate how such a capability can be leveraged to create previously unattainable extreme conditions for delivering directed high-energy radiation and particle beams. We will carry out a numerical study of the dynamics of multiple Megatesla magnetic field filaments driven by ultra-high intensity laser pulses in solid-density plasmas and the impact of the resulting configurations on quantum electrodynamics processes leading to generation of gamma rays and matter and antimatter. We will also conduct a feasibility study for direct experimental detection of the laser-driven MT magnetic fields using novel capabilities that will become available at the next-generation laser facilities, which would be a critical for validating the regimes of interest experimentally. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop fundamental understanding of how multiple laser beams of extreme intensity interact with matter in order to develop experiments that would access the most promising regimes for gamma ray and pair production at the next generation laser systems, including ELI.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Apr 09, 2018
Source ID
FA95501710382

Entities

People

  • Alexey V Arefiev

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • United States Air Force
  • University of California, San Diego

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Distributed Systems and Data Platform Development
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.
  • Solar Physics

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Quantum Computing