Numerical modeling of generation of a current in a laser plasma jet

A numerical solution is obtained of the problem of generation of an electric current and of a magnetic field in a plasma formed by interaction between laser radiation and the surface of a conducting target. The contact potential and the thermo-emf of an inhomogeneous plasma are considered as emf sources. The distribution of hydrodynamic parameters in a jet is deduced from a numerical solution of an axisymmetric problem. The distributions of the current and of the associated magnetic field are determined.