Classification and stability of plasma motion in periodic linearly polarized relativistic waves

Journal Article · Thu Jul 15 04:00:00 EDT 2010 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3449591· OSTI ID:21389092

Lehmann, G; Spatschek, K H ^[1]

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1. Institut fuer Theoretische Physik, Heinrich-Heine-Universitaet Duesseldorf, D-40225 Duesseldorf (Germany)

Based on a relativistic fluid-Maxwell model, laser-induced plasma dynamics is investigated for relativistic periodic waves. Within a one-dimensional (1D) description, the Akhiezer-Polovin model is applied to the existence of periodic, nonlinearly coupled electromagnetic and electrostatic waves, and the corresponding particle motion. Known existence criteria for periodic solutions are generalized. The corresponding stability behaviors are investigated by 1D integrators of the relativistic fluid-Maxwell model. It is shown that in contrast to the vacuum solution, linearly polarized coupled electromagnetic-electrostatic waves are unstable in plasmas. The magnitudes of the growth rates are investigated in terms of the maximum amplitudes and normalized phase velocities.

• OSTI ID: 21389092
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 17; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
CLASSIFICATION
INSTABILITY
PERIODICITY
PHASE VELOCITY
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA WAVES
RELATIVISTIC PLASMA
VARIATIONS
VELOCITY