Title: Fully relativistic form factor for Thomson scattering

Abstract

We derive a fully relativistic form factor for Thomson scattering in unmagnetized plasmas valid to all orders in the normalized electron velocity, $$\overset{\rightharpoonup}{β}$$ = $$\overset{\rightharpoonup}{v}$$/ c . The form factor is compared to a previously derived expression where the lowest order electron velocity, $$\overset{\rightharpoonup}{β}$$, corrections are included [J. Sheffield, Plasma Scattering of Electromagnetic Radiation (Academic Press, New York, 1975)]. The $$\overset{\rightharpoonup}{β}$$ expansion approach is sufficient for electrostatic waves with small phase velocities such as ion-acoustic waves, but for electron-plasma waves the phase velocities can be near luminal. At high phase velocities, the electron motion acquires relativistic corrections including effective electron mass, relative motion of the electrons and electromagnetic wave, and polarization rotation. These relativistic corrections alter the scattered emission of thermal plasma waves, which manifest as changes in both the peak power and width of the observed Thomson-scattered spectra. $$\overset{\rightharpoonup}{β}$$

Authors:

Palastro, J. P. ^[1]; Ross, J. S. ^[1]; Pollock, B. ^[1]; Divol, L. ^[1]; Froula, D. H. ^[1]; Glenzer, S. H. ^[1]

---

+ Show Author Affiliations

1. Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Publication Date:

Wed Mar 24 00:00:00 EDT 2010

Research Org.:

Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

OSTI Identifier:

1497305

Report Number(s):

LLNL-JRNL-418764
Journal ID: ISSN 1539-3755; PLEEE8; 380391

Grant/Contract Number:  

AC52-07NA27344

Resource Type:

Accepted Manuscript

Journal Name:

Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Volume: 81; Journal Issue: 3; Journal ID: ISSN 1539-3755

Publisher:

American Physical Society (APS)

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY