Propagation and stability of intense laser pulses in partially stripped plasmas

Journal Article · Sat Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.56.5894· OSTI ID:544887

Sprangle, P; Esarey, E; Hafizi, B ^[1]

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1. Beam Physics Branch, Plasma Physics Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375 (United States)

The propagation and stability of intense laser pulses in a partially stripped plasma, i.e., in the presence of free and bound electrons, is analyzed. The presence of bound electrons is shown to significantly alter the propagation and stability of intense laser pulses. The bound electrons are represented by a linear and nonlinear susceptibility, while the free electrons, which can support plasma waves, are treated nonlinearly. In the presence of both free and bound electrons, an atomic modulation instability develops that can have a growth rate substantially higher than either the conventional relativistic modulational instability or the forward Raman instability. Bound electrons can also greatly enhance the filamentation instability. The backward Raman instability, however, is unaffected by bound electrons. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}

• OSTI ID: 544887
• 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: 5 Vol. 56; ISSN 1063-651X; ISSN PLEEE8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ELECTRONS
LASERS
MODULATION
PLASMA WAVES
PULSES
REFRACTIVE INDEX
STABILITY
STRIPPING
WAVE PROPAGATION