Effect of self-focusing on parametric back-scattering and absorptive instabilities in a plasma

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation of the effect of self-focusing on the absolute growth rates of parametric back-scattering (e.g. stimulated Raman and Brillouin scatterings) and absorptive instabilities (e.g. two-plasmon decay and ion–plasmon decay) in a homogeneous and collisionless plasma. Gaussian intensity distribution of the pump laser beam causes the redistribution of carriers in the plane transverse to the beam propagation on account of the ponderomotive force, and leads the beam to propagate in an oscillatory wave guide mode. The modifications in plasma frequency and intensity of the beam cause the growth rates of the above parametric instabilities to show an oscillatory behaviour with the distance of propagation.