Envelope matching for enhanced backward Raman amplification by using self-ionizing plasmas

Journal Article · Mon Dec 15 04:00:00 EST 2014 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4902370· OSTI ID:22407932

Zhang, Z. M.; Zhang, B.; Hong, W.; Teng, J.; He, S. K.; Yu, M. Y. ^[1]

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1. Institute for Fusion Theory and Simulation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027 (China)

Backward Raman amplification (BRA) in plasmas has been promoted as a means for generating ultrapowerful laser pulses. For the purpose of achieving the maximum intensities over the shortest distances, an envelope matching between the seed pulse and the amplification gain is required, i.e., the seed pulse propagates at the same velocity with the gain such that the peak of the seed pulse can always enjoy the maximum gain. However, such an envelope matching is absent in traditional BRA because in the latter the amplification gain propagates at superluminous velocity while the seed pulse propagates at the group velocity, which is less than the speed of light. It is shown here that, by using self-ionizing plasmas, the speed of the amplification gain can be well reduced to reach the envelope matching regime. This results in a favorable BRA process, in which higher saturated intensity, shorter interaction length and higher energy-transfer efficiency are achieved.

• OSTI ID: 22407932
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 21; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
AUTOIONIZATION
DISTANCE
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENERGY TRANSFER
GAIN
INTERACTIONS
LASER RADIATION
PLASMA
PULSES
RAMAN EFFECT
VELOCITY
VISIBLE RADIATION