The Nonlinear Interaction of Intense Laser Pulses in Plasmas
Abstract
A nonlinear 1D theory is developed which describes some important aspects of intense laser-plasma interactions. The self-consistent laser-plasma analysis included nonlinear plasma wakefield generation, relativistic optical guiding, coherent harmonic radiation production, as well as other related phenomena. Relativistic optical guiding is found to be most effective for long laser pulses having slow rise times. Short laser pulses are shown to be weakly guided. Coherent harmonic generation using a linearly polarized laser is found to be most efficient for short laser pulses and can be enhanced by the presence of large amplitude plasma wakefields. Aspects of particle acceleration by laser pulses as well as possible methods for upshifting the frequency of laser pulses are also discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 22, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA217604
Entities
People
- Antonio Ting
- Eric H. Esarey
- Phillip A. Sprangle
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory