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Experimental observations of nonlinear saturation of the two-plasmon decay instability

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)
Direct measurements by time-resolved Thomson scattering of the saturation of the two-plasmon decay instability driven by a CO/sub 2/ laser in an underdense plasma are presented. A time-correlated growth in ion fluctuations is also seen, enabling the saturation mechanism to be identified with the ion motions driven by the ponderomotive force associated with the large-amplitude electrostatic waves.
Research Organization:
Division of Physics, National Research Council, Ottawa, Ontario K1A OR6, Canada
OSTI ID:
5834840
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 47:23; ISSN PRLTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English