Observation of Self-Similarity in the Magnetic Fields Generated by the Ablative Nonlinear Rayleigh-Taylor Instability

arXiv (Cornell University) 2026 Preprint Open access

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Authors: Lan Gao, Philip M. Nilson, I. V. Igumenschev, G. Fiksel, Rui Yan, J. R. Davies, David A. Martinez, Vladimir A. Smalyuk, M. G. Haines, Eric G. Blackman, D. H. Froula, R. Betti
+1 more David D. Meyerhofer
DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.110.185003
Cited by: 39
References: 31

Abstract

Magnetic fields generated by the nonlinear Rayleigh-Taylor growth of laser-seeded three-dimensional broadband perturbations were measured in laser-accelerated planar targets using ultrafast proton radiography. The experimental data show self-similar behavior in the growing cellular magnetic field structures. These observations are consistent with a bubble competition and merger model that predicts the time evolution of the number and size of the bubbles, linking the cellular magnetic field structures with the Rayleigh-Taylor bubble and spike growth.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics High-pressure geophysics and materials Astro and Planetary Science

Publication details

Journal / source
arXiv (Cornell University)
Publisher
American Physical Society (APS)
Volume
110
Issue
18
Publication date
8 July 2026
Document type
Preprint