Laser Pulse Compression Using Magnetized Plasmas

Authors: Y. Shi, H. Qin, N. Fisch

Abstract: Efficient pulse compression using Raman or Brillouin backscattering in unmagnetized plasma is possible only within a window in the laser intensity-frequency space. This window can be expanded by applying an external magnetic field transverse to the direction of laser propagation. Adding the transverse magnetic field enables the use of higher frequency or lower intensity pumps, producing output pulses at possibly higher intensities and longer durations. The technological challenge in this technique lies in producing the requisite strong magnetic field. However, this replaces the possibly more difficult technological challenge in producing high-density uniform plasma.

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