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Measurement of growth rates, saturation, and decay of two-plasmon decay waves in a CO/sub 2/-laser--irradiated plasma

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)
The two-plasmon decay instability in a CO/sub 2/-laser irradiated gas-target plasma is investigated by picosecond-time-resolved Thomson scattering of ruby laser light. Measured growth rates and their wave-number spectrum agree with theoretical predictions. The instability is saturated by coupling to ion acoustic fluctuations and is quenched by radial profile modification.
Research Organization:
Department of Physics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T2A8
OSTI ID:
6430999
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 53:14; ISSN PRLTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English