Abstract
We present measurements of a magnetic reconnection in a plasma created by two laser beams (1 ns pulse duration, ) focused in close proximity on a planar solid target. Simultaneous optical probing and proton grid deflectometry reveal two high velocity, collimated outflowing jets and 0.7—1.3 MG magnetic fields at the focal spot edges. Thomson scattering measurements from the reconnection layer are consistent with high electron temperatures in this region.
- Received 22 May 2006
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.255001
©2006 American Physical Society