Foam Targets as Extreme Magnetic Field Drivers

Structured foam targets are of great interest for the laser-plasma community. Recent studies have shown how low density foams could be used to generate extreme magnetic fields in the MegaTesla range. A result of the interaction of the fields with the accelerated electrons in the foam is a large increase in the electron kinetic energy, and the generation of bright flashes of synchrotron radiation in the MeV range.

In this talk we introduce experimental results obtained at HED/HiBEF at the European XFEL on the structural changes and homogenization of the foam during the laser interaction. Then we will show results on synchrotron emission at Texas Petawatt. Finally we will provide an overview of our roadmap towards implementing foam experiments at the 10 PW level at ELI-NP