Novel mechanism of plasma heating using laser-driven whistler waves

Whistler waves, electromagnetic waves propagating along magnetic field lines, possess the characteristic of not having a critical density. By irradiating a high-intensity laser along the magnetic field, it may be possible to experimentally generate laser-driven, large-amplitude Whistler waves in the laboratory, introducing a new energy transport mechanism significantly different from traditional laser-plasma interactions. In this chapter, we focus on how the energy conversion from laser to plasma is altered by the influence of a strong magnetic field, based on results from plasma particle simulations. The mechanism of plasma acceleration and heating through Whistler waves holds the potential for applications in the novel design of laser fusion and contributes to understanding the interaction of magnetic fields and radiation fields in astrophysical phenomena. (J.P.N.)