Coherent scattering in Nd-laser beat-wave experiments: Modulational instability in multiphoton ionization plasmas

  • F. Amiranoff
  • , A. Dyson
  • , M. Laberge
  • , J. R. Marquès
  • , F. Moulin
  • , B. Cros
  • , G. Matthieussent
  • , C. Stenz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The generation of long, 1 cm, and homogeneous plasmas, n ∼ 1017 cm-3, Δn/n ≤ 1%, by multi-photon ionization of low pressure gases, H2, D2 and N2 at pressures of a few torr, has been characterized by Thomson thermal scattering. After the initial full ionization, the hydrodynamic evolution due to the ponderomotive force of the laser itself is observed. In such plasmas, the modulational instability of high phase velocity plasma waves generated by Nd-laser beat-waves (Φ ∼ 1014 W cm-2) has been observed by Thomson scattering of an auxiliary green beam. Both ion waves, electron waves and their harmonics are detected when the plasma frequency is equal to the difference frequency between the two pump lasers.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1063-1067
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Terrestrial Physics
Volume58
Issue number8-9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1996

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Coherent scattering in Nd-laser beat-wave experiments: Modulational instability in multiphoton ionization plasmas'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this