Nano-scale ultra-dense Z-pinches formation from laser-irradiated nanowire arrays

Abstract

We show that ulta-dense Z-pinches with nanoscale dimensions can be generated by irradiating aligned nanowires with femtosecond laser pulses of relativistic intensity. Using fully three-dimensional relativistic particle-in-cell simulations we demonstrate that the laser pulse drives a forward electron current in the area around the wires. This forward current induces return current densities of $\sim$ 0.1 Giga-Amperes per $\mu$m\textsuperscript{2} through the wires. The resulting strong, quasi-static, self-generated azimuthal magnetic field pinches the nanowires into hot plasmas with a peak electron density of $> 9\cdot 10^{24}$ cm\textsuperscript{-3}, exceeding 1000 times the critical density. Arrays of these new ultra-dense nanopinches can be expected to lead to efficient micro-fusion and other applications.