Abstract
Scaling of the self-generated magnetic field generated by Rayleigh–Taylor instability and a new aspect of the instability in the acceleration of the laser fusion target are presented. The scaling is derived from linear analysis and compared with the simulation result. Electron heat conduction affected by the self-generated magnetic field causes the configuration change of surface perturbation, higher mode generation and steepening of the field. The field restrains the heat flux and produces a temperature gradient nonparallel to the density gradient in plasmas. This thermoelectric current generates a magnetic field larger than the initial field with certain parameters. These phenomena are observed in the hydrodynamic simulations.