Control of laser ablation plasma with longitudinal magnetic field

Abstract

We investigated the interaction of a laser ablation plasma with a longitudinal magnetic field, intending to create a directional moving plasma for laser ion source. To study the plasma dynamics, time-of-flight measurements of ion flux were made as a function of laser intensity and the magnetic field. The results indicate that the ion current density in the forward direction is strongly affected by a moderate (0.2 T) magnetic field. Results also indicate that the longitudinal magnetic field can control the ion flux as well as degree of ionization of the moving plasma by reducing the transverse expansion and setting on the recombination process during the interaction © 2012 The Japan Society of Plasma Science and Nuclear Fusion Research.