Electromagnetic phenomena generated in laser-produced plasmas (Abstract Only)

When a laser plasma is produced on a target, various electromagnetic phenomena can occur. These can produce substantial currents and voltages in nearby structures. The effects depend on the target material and morphology, the pressure and species of the atmosphere, and the nature of the laser pulse. The following mechanisms are known to make a major contribution to electromagnetic signals detected near laser plasmas: (1) UV plume causing transient high conductivity in semiconductor targets, and ionisation in buffer gasses; (2) Laser plasma generating multi-GHz microwaves due to the generation of plasma waves; (3) Space charge and current charge travelling through vacuum due to differences in the electron and ion velocities; (4) Generation of transient magnetic fields that induce anomalous currents in conductors at the target point, and secondary induced current in nearby conductors. Many of which were first reported in the 1970s, and in this report we review their relative contributions and identify regimes where each dominate.