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arXiv · 2512.02426

Progress in relativistic laser-plasma interaction with kilotesla-level applied magnetic fields

K. Weichman·A. P. L. Robinson·M. Murakami·J. J. Santos·S. Fujioka·T. Toncian·J. P. Palastro·A. V. Arefiev
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Abstract

We report on progress in the understanding of the effects of kilotesla-level applied magnetic fields on relativistic laser-plasma interactions. Ongoing advances in magnetic-field-generation techniques enable new and highly desirable phenomena, including magnetic-field-amplification platforms with reversible sign, focusing ion acceleration, and bulk-relativistic plasma heating. Building on recent advancements in laser-plasma interactions with applied magnetic fields, we introduce simple models for evaluating the effects of applied magnetic fields in magnetic-field amplification, sheath-based ion acceleration, and direct laser acceleration. These models indicate the feasibility of observing beneficial magnetic-field effects under experimentally relevant conditions and offer a starting point for future experimental design.

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K. Weichman, A. P. L. Robinson, M. Murakami, J. J. Santos, S. Fujioka, T. Toncian, J. P. Palastro, A. V. Arefiev. 2025-12-02. Progress in relativistic laser-plasma interaction with kilotesla-level applied magnetic fields. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0089781

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