Influence of nonlinear detuning at plasma wavebreaking threshold on backward Raman compression of non-relativistic laser pulses

Abstract

Taking into account the nonlinear dispersion of the plasma wave, the fluid equations for the three-wave (Raman) interaction in plasmas are derived. It is found that, in some parameter regimes, the nonlinear detuning resulting from the plasma wave dispersion during Raman compression limits the plasma wave amplitude to noticeably below the generally recognized wavebreaking threshold. Particle-in-cell simulations confirm the theoretical estimates. For weakly nonlinear dispersion, the detuning effect can be counteracted by pump chirping or, equivalently, by upshifting slightly the pump frequency, so that the frequency-upshifted pump interacts with the seed at the point where the plasma wave enters the nonlinear stage.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2018
Source ID
10.1063/1.5028567

Entities

People

  • Alexey A Balakin
  • G. M. Fraiman
  • Nathaniel Fisch
  • Q. Jia

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • Institute of Applied Physics
  • Princeton University
  • Russian Science Foundation

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Mathematics or Statistics
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy