Fast Magnetic Reconnection in Relativistic Laser-Plasma Interactions.

Abstract

Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental plasma process involving the transfer of magnetic potential energy to plasma kinetic energy through changes in the magnetic field topology. Results are presented of experimental measurements as well as numerical modeling of relativistic magnetic reconnection driven by short-pulse, high-intensity lasers that produce relativistic plasma along with extremely strong magnetic fields. Evidence of fast magnetic reconnection was identified by the plasma's x-ray emission patterns, changes to the electron energy spectrum, optical probing techniques, and by measuring the time over which reconnection occurs, while numerical modeling suggests the process occurs within the relativistic regime wherein the magnetic energy density exceeds the electron rest mass energy density. Accessing these conditions in the laboratory may allow for further investigation to provide insight into previously inaccessible regimes relevant to space and astrophysical plasmas.