Magnetic field in short-pulse high-intensity laser-solid experiments

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High-intensity short laser pulses focused on the surface of a solid target produce large numbers of energetic electrons which in turn produce strong electric and magnetic fields as they penetrate the target. Layers of x-ray-emitting materials buried inside the target are often used to diagnose fast electron transport. We show that the magnetic field grows at the surface of the buried layers, and that this field may in some cases possibly inhibit fast electron penetration.