Efficient generation of axial magnetic field by multiple laser beams with twisted pointing directions

Abstract

Strong laser-driven magnetic fields are crucial for high-energy-density physics and laboratory astrophysics research, but generation of axial multi-kT fields remains a challenge. The difficulty comes from the inability of a conventional linearly polarized laser beam to induce the required azimuthal current or, equivalently, angular momentum (AM). We show that several laser beams can overcome this difficulty. Our three-dimensional kinetic simulations demonstrate that a twist in their pointing directions {enables them to carry orbital AM and transfer it to the plasma, thus generating a hot electron population carrying AM needed to sustain the magnetic field.} The resulting multi-kT field occupies a volume that is tens of thousands of cubic microns and it persists on a ps time scale. The mechanism can be realized for a wide range of laser intensities and pulse durations. Our scheme is well-suited for implementation using {multi-kJ PW-class lasers, because, by design, they have multiple beamlets and because the scheme requires only linear-polarization.