PPPL researchers have identified a novel mechanism in which expanding plasmas rapidly self-magnetize through the Weibel instability, generating magnetic fields strong enough to alter heat transport. The finding, supported by first-principles simulations, has direct implications for inertial fusion research and for understanding how magnetic fields arise in astrophysical plasmas.Understanding How Lasers Can Rapidly Magnetize Fusion Plasmas
May 07, 2026
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PPPL researchers have identified a novel mechanism in which expanding plasmas rapidly self-magnetize through the Weibel instability, generating magnetic fields strong enough to alter heat transport. The finding, supported by first-principles simulations, has direct implications for inertial fusion research and for understanding how magnetic fields arise in astrophysical plasmas.
