Mapping giant magnetic fields around dense solid plasmas by high-resolution magneto-optical microscopy

Abstract

We investigate the distribution of magnetic fields around dense solid plasmas generated by intense p-polarized laser (~10¹⁶ Wcm^-2, 100 fs) irradiation of magnetic tapes, using high sensitivity magneto-optical microscopy. By investigating the effect of irradiation on the magnetic tape, we present evidence for axial magnetic fields and map out the spatial distribution of these fields around the laser generated plasma. By using the axial magnetic field distribution as a diagnostic tool we uncover evidence for angular momentum associated with the plasma.