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Title: Exact relativistic expressions for polarization of incoherent Thomson scattering

Abstract

We present a derivation of the degree of polarization for incoherent Thomson scattering (TS) using Mueller matrix formalism. An exact analytic solution is obtained for spectrum-integrated matrix elements. The solution is valid for the full range of incident polarizations, scattering angles, and electron thermal motion from non-relativistic to ultra-relativistic. It is based on a newly developed theoretical model, a finite transit time (FTT) correction to previous theoretical work on TS polarization. The Mueller matrix elements are substantially different from previous calculations without the FTT correction, even to the lowest linear order in Te=mec2 <<1. Mathematically, the derivation is a unique example of fully analytical integration of the 3D scattering operator over a relativistic Maxwellian distribution function; experimentally, the results have application to the use of the polarization properties of Thomson scattered light as a method of electron temperature measurement. The results can also be used as a reliable tool for benchmarking and verification of numerical codes for frequency resolved properties of TS polarization.

Authors:
ORCiD logo [1];  [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI (United States). Dept. of Physics and the Center for Magnetic Self-Organization in Lab. and Astrophysical Plasmas
  2. Univ. of California, Los Angeles, CA (United States)
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)
OSTI Identifier:
1471066
Alternate Identifier(s):
OSTI ID: 1252263
Grant/Contract Number:  
FG02-85ER53212; FC02-05ER54814
Resource Type:
Journal Article: Accepted Manuscript
Journal Name:
Physics of Plasmas
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 23; Journal Issue: 5; Journal ID: ISSN 1070-664X
Publisher:
American Institute of Physics (AIP)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY

Citation Formats

Mirnov, V. V., Den Hartog, D. J., and Parke, E. Exact relativistic expressions for polarization of incoherent Thomson scattering. United States: N. p., 2016. Web. doi:10.1063/1.4948488.
Mirnov, V. V., Den Hartog, D. J., & Parke, E. Exact relativistic expressions for polarization of incoherent Thomson scattering. United States. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4948488
Mirnov, V. V., Den Hartog, D. J., and Parke, E. 2016. "Exact relativistic expressions for polarization of incoherent Thomson scattering". United States. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4948488. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1471066.
@article{osti_1471066,
title = {Exact relativistic expressions for polarization of incoherent Thomson scattering},
author = {Mirnov, V. V. and Den Hartog, D. J. and Parke, E.},
abstractNote = {We present a derivation of the degree of polarization for incoherent Thomson scattering (TS) using Mueller matrix formalism. An exact analytic solution is obtained for spectrum-integrated matrix elements. The solution is valid for the full range of incident polarizations, scattering angles, and electron thermal motion from non-relativistic to ultra-relativistic. It is based on a newly developed theoretical model, a finite transit time (FTT) correction to previous theoretical work on TS polarization. The Mueller matrix elements are substantially different from previous calculations without the FTT correction, even to the lowest linear order in Te=mec2 <<1. Mathematically, the derivation is a unique example of fully analytical integration of the 3D scattering operator over a relativistic Maxwellian distribution function; experimentally, the results have application to the use of the polarization properties of Thomson scattered light as a method of electron temperature measurement. The results can also be used as a reliable tool for benchmarking and verification of numerical codes for frequency resolved properties of TS polarization.},
doi = {10.1063/1.4948488},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1471066}, journal = {Physics of Plasmas},
issn = {1070-664X},
number = 5,
volume = 23,
place = {United States},
year = {Mon May 09 00:00:00 EDT 2016},
month = {Mon May 09 00:00:00 EDT 2016}
}

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Cited by: 7 works
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Works referenced in this record:

Analytic formula for fully relativistic Thomson scattering spectrum
journal, November 1993


Proposal for a new electron temperature diagnostic for fusion reactors
journal, January 1999


Thomson scattering diagnostic systems in ITER
journal, January 2016


A polarization-based Thomson scattering technique for burning plasmas
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Synchrotron Radiation and its Reabsorption
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An analytic formula for the relativistic Thomson scattering spectrum for a Maxwellian velocity distribution
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Electromagnetic Wave Scattering from a High-Temperature Plasma
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Depolarization of Light Scattered by a Relativistic Plasma
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Electron kinetic effects on interferometry, polarimetry and Thomson scattering measurements in burning plasmas (invited)
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Synchrotron Radiation Formulae
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Polarization of radiation in incoherent Thomson scattering by high temperature plasma
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Works referencing / citing this record:

First observation of the depolarization of Thomson scattering radiation by a fusion plasma
journal, March 2018