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U.S. Department of Energy
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High frequency instabilities in underdense plasmas produced by a 0. 35. mu. m laser beam

Book ·
OSTI ID:5072273

Experiments to investigate the scattering and absorption characteristics of stimulated Raman scattering and two-plasmon decay instabilities in underdense plasmas produced by 0.35 micron laser radiation are described and compared with computer simulations. Raman back and sidescattering below the convective threshold has been observed and simulations indicate the instability is driven by self-focusing in a preformed plasma. Observations of high energy electrons suggest two plasmon decay as the generating mechanism. Raman backscattering reaches high levels with low density plastic targets.

DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
5072273
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English