Woolsey, N.C., Courtois, C. and Dendy, R.O. (2004) Laboratory plasma astrophysics simulation experiments using lasers. Plasma Physics and controlled fusion, 46 (12B). B397-B405. ISSN 1361-6528
Abstract
Laboratory astroplasma physics experiments advance both our astrophysics and plasma physics knowledge. Contemporary high-energy, high-power laser technology enables us to reproduce in the laboratory the conditions of temperature and pressure that are met in extreme stellar environments. The focus is on experiments designed to address key aspects of the plasma physics occurring in supernova remnants. In this approach, a plasma physics model of the astrophysical object is identified and then scaled, and applied to a laboratory experiment. This offers the possibility of detailed measurements, which can be repeated as the input conditions are altered. Results from a scaled experiment designed to address aspects of collisionless plasma interaction in a young supernova remnant are presented. This experimental study is based on the interaction of two millimetre-scale counter-streaming laser-produced plasmas, created from exploded thin plastic foils in an intense transverse magnetic field. The dynamics of the two plasmas and their interaction are studied with, and without, magnetic fields, through spatially and temporally resolved measurements of the electron density.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
---|---|
Authors/Creators: |
|
Dates: |
|
Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Physics (York) |
Depositing User: | York RAE Import |
Date Deposited: | 25 Feb 2009 14:27 |
Last Modified: | 25 Feb 2009 14:27 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0741-3335/46/12B/034 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Institute of Physics and IOP Publishing Limited |
Identification Number: | 10.1088/0741-3335/46/12B/034 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:7217 |