Probing the peripheral self-generated magnetic field distribution in laser-plasma magnetic reconnection with Martin-Puplett interferometer polarimeter

Magnetic reconnection of the self-generated magnetic fields in laser-plasma interaction is an important laboratory method for modeling high-energy density astronomical and astrophysical phenomena.We use the Martin-Puplett interferometer(MPI)polarimeter to probe the peripheral magnetic fields generated in the common magnetic reconnection configuration,two separated coplanar plane targets,in laser-target interaction.We introduce a new method that can obtain polarization information from the interference pattern instead of the sinusoidal function fitting of the intensity.A bidirectional magnetic field is observed from the side view,which is consistent with the magneto-hydro-dynamical(MHD)simulation results of self-generated magnetic field reconnection.We find that the cancellation of reverse magnetic fields after averaging and integration along the observing direction could reduce the magnetic field strength by one to two orders of magnitude.It indicates that imaging resolution can significantly affect the accuracy of measured magnetic field strength.

Ultrafast two-dimensional x-ray imager with temporal fiducial pulses for laser-produced plasmas

It is challenging to make an ultrafast diagnosis of the temporal evolution of small and short-lived plasma in two dimensions. To overcome this difficulty, we have developed a well-timed diagnostic utilizing an x-ray streak camera equipped with a row of multi-pinhole arrays. By processing multiple sets of one-dimensional streaked image data acquired from various pinholes, we are capable of reconstructing high-resolution two-dimensional images with a temporal resolution of 38 ps and a spatial resolution of 18 μm. The temporal fiducial pulses accessed from external sources can advance the precise timing and accurately determine the arrival time of the laser. Moreover, it can correct the nonlinear sweeping speed of the streak camera. The effectiveness of this diagnostic has been successfully verified at the Shenguang-II laser facility,providing an indispensable tool for observing complex physical phenomena, such as the implosion process of laser-fusion experiments.

Priorities for research and control of cestode zoonoses in Asia

Globally,cestode zoonoses cause serious public health problems,particularly in Asia.Among all neglected zoonotic diseases,cestode zoonoses account for over 75%of global disability adjusted life years(DALYs)lost.An international symposium on cestode zoonoses research and control was held in Shanghai,China between 28th and 30th October 2012 in order to establish joint efforts to study and research effective approaches to control these zoonoses.It brought together 96 scientists from the Asian region and beyond to exchange ideas,report on progress,make a gap analysis,and distill prioritizing settings with a focus on the Asian region.Key objectives of this international symposium were to agree on solutions to accelerate progress towards decreasing transmission,and human mortality and morbidity caused by the three major cestode zoonoses(cystic echinococcosis,alveolar echinococcosis,and cysticercosis);to critically assess the potential to control these diseases;to establish a research and validation agenda on existing and new approaches;and to report on novel tools for the study and control of cestode zoonoses.