Measurable signatures of relativistic self-focusing in underdense plasmas
- Commissariat A L`Energie Atomique-Centre d`Etudes de Saclay, DRECAM, Service de Photons Atomes et Molecules, Bat. 522, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette (France)
The propagation of intense, picosecond laser pulses in tenuous plasmas is studied for conditions close to those required for relativistic self-focusing. Solutions of the steady-state wave-envelope equations are used to obtain experimentally measurable quantities such as the Thomson-scattered light at 90{degree}, and the far-field radiation pattern. It is demonstrated that in the presence of electron cavitation, the Thomson signal has a longitudinal structure which is generally the converse of the intensity pattern. Furthermore, beam collimation in the far-field depends on where the laser is focused in the plasma, and may actually be degraded if self-channeling occurs. {copyright} {ital 1995} {ital American} {ital Institute} {ital of} {ital Physics}.
- OSTI ID:
- 165105
- Journal Information:
- Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 2; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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