| Numéro |
J. Phys. IV France
Volume 05, Numéro C6, Octobre 1995
Proceedings of the General Conference of the Human Capital and Mobility Network and INTAS NetworkNonlinear Phenomena in Microphysics of Collisionless Plasmas. Application to Space and Laboratory Plasmas |
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| Page(s) | C6-1 - C6-6 | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:1995601 | |
Nonlinear Phenomena in Microphysics of Collisionless Plasmas. Application to Space and Laboratory Plasmas
J. Phys. IV France 05 (1995) C6-1-C6-6
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:1995601
Electromagnetic Wave Propagation in the Relativistic Regime
J.C. Adam, S. Guérin, A. Héron, G. Laval and P. MoraCentre de Physique Théorique (UPR 14 du CNRS), Ecole Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau cedex, France
Abstract
An electromagnetic wave is expected to propagate through an overdense plasma, provided that its amplitude is large enough to bring the electron motion into the relativistic regime. We study this induced transparency by using 1D and 2D particle simulations. We find that large chaotic longitudinal electric fields are generated and strong plasma heating takes place during the propagation. This behavior is attributed to parametric instabilities. In order to support this interpretation, the modulational and Raman instabilities of a relativistic electromagnetic wave are studied analytically as well as with the help of particle simulations. In addition it is found that a finite width beam is strongly self focused during its propagation in a plasma layer.
© EDP Sciences 1995