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Growth and saturation of the two-plasmon decay instability

Journal Article · · Phys. Fluids; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.864262· OSTI ID:6256860
An experimental study of the two-plasmon decay instability is reported. An intense CO/sub 2/ laser (10.6 ..mu..m) was used to generate the instability in a long scale length, preformed plasma. The principal experimental diagnostic measurement was time-resolved Thomson scattering, with resolution in either ..omega.. or k space. The results show that the instability evolves basically in agreement with linear theories, then saturates by the nonlinear process of mode coupling to short-wavelength ion fluctuations. At saturation, density fluctuations close to 20% are observed in both the electron and ion waves.
Research Organization:
Division of Physics, National Research Council, Ottawa, Canada K1A OR6
OSTI ID:
6256860
Journal Information:
Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 26:5; ISSN PFLDA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English