Laboratory analogues of magnetised turbulence and cosmic rays in the Universe

Magnetic fields are ubiquitous in the Universe and they are an essential player in the dynamics of the luminous matter. However, understanding why there is a magnetic field and why it is so strong has remained a difficult question to answer. The standard theoretical model for the origin of strong magnetic fields is through the amplification of tiny seed fields via turbulence to the level consistent with current observations. We have conducted experiments at large scale laser facilities demonstrating that turbulence is indeed capable of rapidly amplifying magnetic fields. Turbulence also affects cosmic rays diffusion through space. Here we show, using the same laboratory experiments discussed above, how energetic-particle propagates through a random magnetic field.