Laboratory plasma astrophysics simulation experiments using lasers

N. C. Woolsey, C. D. Gregory, R. Kodama, M. Koenig, B. Loupias, S. A. Myers, A. Oya, Y. Sakawa

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Laboratory astro-plasma physics experiments are being designed to advance both our astrophysics and plasma physics knowledge. With current high-energy and high-power laser technology, it is possible to reproduce the conditions of temperature and pressure met in extreme stellar environments in the laboratory. Coupled with sophisticated target design, laboratory simulation of aspects of astrophysical phenomena are in progress. The focus is to design experiments that address key aspects of the plasma physics occurring in astrophysical objects such as a supernova remnant or jet. This approach uses a plasma physics model, typically ideal MHD, to define a set of scaling criteria. Laboratory experiments are tested against this set of criteria. It is often the case that neither the astrophysical object nor the experiment achieves the constraints demanded by a model such as ideal MHD. Outlined are experimental approaches to dealing with less rigorous scaling and results from scaled experiments designed to address aspects of the shocks in a young supernova remnant and collimation of jets associated with protostellar objects.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication5TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INERTIAL FUSION SCIENCES AND APPLICATIONS (IFSA2007)
EditorsH Azechi, B Hammel, JC Gauthier
Place of PublicationBRISTOL
PublisherIOP Publishing
Pages-
Number of pages4
ISBN (Print)*****************
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Event5th International Conference on Inertial Fusion Sciences and Applications(IFSA 2007) - Kobe
Duration: 9 Sept 200714 Sept 2007

Conference

Conference5th International Conference on Inertial Fusion Sciences and Applications(IFSA 2007)
CityKobe
Period9/09/0714/09/07

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