Abstract
This project is focused on the impact of a strong external magnetic field on the laser interaction with low-density plasma in the context of inertial fusion to enable boosting energy gain. The plasma will be produced from unique porous low-density solid matter (foam), and the strong external field will be applied using a Helmholtz coil. We will study plasma formation from the foam, laser absorption processes, instabilities, and later, the generation of shock waves in dependence on the external magnetic field and its direction, as well as the laser and the foam parameters, in both theory and experiments. The results will stimulate the design of future high-gain fusion experiments for energy production.