Measurements of energetic proton transport through magnetized plasma from intense laser interactions with solids

Protons with energies up to 18 MeV have been measured from high density las er-plasma interactions at incident laser intensities of 5 X 10(19) W/cm(2). Up to 10(12) protons with energies greater than 2 MeV were observed to pro pagate through a 125 mu m thick aluminum target and measurements of their a ngular deflection were made. It is likely that the protons originate from t he front surface of the target and are bent by large magnetic fields which exist in the target interior. To agree with our measurements these fields w ould be in excess of 30 MG and would be generated by the beam of fast elect rons which is also observed.