title: Characterization of single and colliding laser-produced plasma bubbles using Thomson scattering and proton radiography.
abstract: Time-resolved measurements of electron and ion temperatures using Thomson scattering have been combined with proton radiography data for comprehensive characterization of individual laser-produced plasma bubbles or the interaction of bubble pairs, where reconnection of azimuthal magnetic fields occurs. Measurements of ion and electron temperatures agree with lasnex simulations of single plasma bubbles, which include the physics of magnetic fields. There is negligible difference in temperatures between a single plasma bubble and the interaction region of bubble pairs, although the ion temperature may be slightly higher due to the collision of expanding plasmas. These results are consistent with reconnection in a β∼8 plasma, where the release of magnetic energy (<5% of the electron thermal energy) does not appreciably affect the hydrodynamics.
authors.affiliation: Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA. mrosenbe@mit.edu
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: R P J
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Town
authors.forename: F H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Séguin
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Frenje
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Froula
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Petrasso
mesh_terms: D007834:Lasers; D058626:Plasma Gases / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011522:Protons; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012542:Scattering, Radiation
chemical_list: D058626:Plasma Gases; D011522:Protons