Observation of magnetic fields in laser-produced plasma using the Zeeman effect

The self-generated magnetic field produced when a pulsed Nd:glass laser is focused onto a carbon foil target is measured for the first time using the Zeeman effect. Emission from the CV 1s2s3S1--1s2p3P2 (2270.9 A) was used for the measurement. At a laser irradiance of approx.5 x 1012 W/cm2, the magnetic field increased from 100 to 200 kG when the focal spot was changed from a flat-topped distribution to a ring pattern, which caused higher density gradients. A Faraday rotation measurement at approximately 200 kG agreed with the Zeeman effect measurement. Opacity effects in the plasma enhanced the sensitivity, allowing the Zeeman measurement to be made in this magnetic field range