At the recent 4th International Conference on Megagauss Magnetic Field Generation, Dr. Choe presented a paper on Conceptual Design Studies of a Magnetic Field Generator Driven by Laser Light Forces that is incorporated in the current proposal for a Novel Research grant. Contributors at this conference were predominatly from highly supported facilities at major national laboratories in the US, Soviet Union and Japan. The basis of Dr. Choe's proposal comes from recent experimental observations in Japan of giant laser plasma return currents from small target irradiation. Dr. Choe plans to study the use of such return current mechanisms in the conceptual design of an optimal target geometry and coil configuration for ultrahigh magnetic field generation. One of the principal benefits of NSF support to the PI for these initial studies may be to stimulate his interaction with national facilities such as at Los Alamos where realistic experiments could be carried out.
