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ABSTRACT: 

Magnetic fields are key to the behaviour of many of the highest energy density states of matter we can generate in the laboratory.

Magnetization of inertial fusion fuel can boost the ignition process through suppression of electron thermal conduction losses and increased alpha particle confinement. Multiple experiments using magnetised fuels have now demonstrated increased ion temperatures and fusion yields in direct drive, indirect drive and magnetically driven ICF. Magnetization may provide more robust or reliable ignition in current ICF designs as well as a path to ignition of high yield targets.

Accurate prediction of magnetized HED plasmas remains extremely challenging. The way in which the transport of heat through the plasma is modified by the magnetic field is intrinsically linked to the way in which the heat flow redistributes the field. Complete treatment requires the solution of an extended Ohm’s law for magnetic and electric fields as well as accompanying magnetized heat transport effects. Verifying our ability to accurately simulate these effects requires the development of carefully controlled experiments where the contribution of individual terms can be isolated.

This process also allows us to design laboratory astrophysics experiments which provide us with a detailed understanding of the role magnetic fields play in fundamental processes in plasmas such as magnetic reconnection which occurs in the solar surface and in Earth’s magnetotail.

In this talk I will use results from extended magneto-hydrodynamic simulations to explore the role of magnetic fields in HEDP experiments. I will show the impact of magnetization on energy losses, instability growth, ignition and propagating burn in ICF. I will show how laboratory astrophysics experiments on Z are leading to a better understanding of magnetic reconnection.  I’ll also explore how the Hall term modifies the growth of instabilities in low density plasmas and the implications for next generation pulsed power drivers

BIO: Jeremy Chittenden is a Professor of Plasma Physics at Imperial College with over 30 years’ experience of innovative research in fields of high energy density physics, laboratory astrophysics and inertial confinement fusion. He is responsible for developing a broad range of radiation hydrodynamics, MHD and kinetic plasma modelling tools which are used extensively in the design of experiments through collaborations with groups in the UK, US & France.

In addition to his theoretical and modelling work, Prof. Chittenden also has extensive experience of experiments on large scale plasma facilities. Since 2013 Prof. Chittenden has been co-director of the Centre for Inertial Fusion Studies. He is one of small number of scientists to work in all three of the main approaches to inertial confinement fusion using either indirect, direct or magnetic drive.

Prof. Chittenden is a fellow of the American Physical Society, a William Penney Fellow and a divisional associate editor of Physical Review Letters and has published over 200 peer reviewed articles.