2024.10.26

Collaborative experiment on magnetic reconnection

A collaborative experiment on magnetic reconnection was recently conducted with Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and Princeton University. Magnetic reconnection, a key process in particle acceleration in cosmic and astronomical environments, such as jet formation on the sun’s surface, also has significant implications for plasma confinement in fusion devices.
In this joint research, we employed the LFEX laser to irradiate a capacitor coil target, creating an intense magnetic field. Magnetic and electric fields were meticulously measured through proton radiography, and detailed plasma diagnostics were carried out using a laser interferometer. Princeton researchers—Professor Hantao Ji, Dr. Lan Gao, as well as Yang, Randon, and Geoffrey—visited ILE to contribute to the experiments and participate in in-depth discussions. Following our experiment, we enjoyed a traditional Japanese fugu (pufferfish) meal together.