Backward Raman amplification in a partially ionized gas

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 2005 · Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.72.036401· OSTI ID:20706353

Balakin, A A; Fraiman, G M ^[1]; Fisch, N J ^[2]; Suckewer, S ^[3]

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1. Institute of Applied Physics, RAS, Nizhnii Novgorod 603950 (Russian Federation)
2. Department of Astrophysical Science, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08543 (United States)
3. Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08543 (United States)

Compressing laser pulses to extremely high intensities through backward Raman amplification might be accomplished in a plasma medium. While the theory is relatively straightforward for homogeneous fully ionized plasma, a number of important effects enter when the plasma is not fully ionized. In particular, when a mixture of gases is employed to accomplish the coupling, there can be several thresholds for incremental ionization. The refraction of both the pump and the seed is then strongly affected by the plasma ionization. Moreover, in the case of Raman backscattering in partially ionized plasma, the degree of plasma ionization is particularly sensitive to the counterpropagating geometry. This idea is examined in light of data for a recent experiment on a Raman amplifier.

• OSTI ID: 20706353
• Journal Information: Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics, Journal Name: Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 72; ISSN PLEEE8; ISSN 1063-651X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
AMPLIFICATION
AMPLIFIERS
BACKSCATTERING
IONIZATION
LASERS
LIGHT TRANSMISSION
PLASMA
PULSES
RAMAN SPECTRA
REFRACTION