  Biermann battery magnetic field generation driven by high power laser-solid
interactions is explored in experiments performed with the OMEGA EP laser
system. Proton deflectometry captures changes to the strength, spatial profile,
and temporal dynamics of the self-generated magnetic fields as the target
material or laser intensity is varied. Measurements of the magnetic flux during
the interaction are used to help validate extended magnetohydrodynamic (MHD)
simulations. Results suggest that kinetic effects cause suppression of the
Biermann battery mechanism in laser-plasma interactions relevant to both direct
and indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion. Experiments also find that more
magnetic flux is generated as the target atomic number is increased, which is
counter to a standard MHD understanding.
