Implementation of a Faraday rotation diagnostic at the OMEGA laser facility

Abstract

Magnetic field measurements in turbulent plasmas are often difficult to perform. Here we show that for > kG magnetic fields, a time-resolved Faraday rotation measurement can be made at the OMEGA laser facility. This diagnostic has been implemented using the Thomson scattering probe beam and the resultant path-integrated magnetic field has been compared with that of proton radiography. Accurate measurement of magnetic fields is essential for satisfying the scientific goals of many current laser-plasma experiments.