Abstract
As we saw in the previous chapter, if a plasma is strongly underdense, the phase velocity of an intense electromagnetic wave propagating in it is just slightly greater than the speed of light. Though this fact was demonstrated in the framework of an elementary example of a circularly polarized monochromatic electromagnetic wave which propagates in a plasma without perturbing its electron concentration or exciting any longitudinal electron motions and fields, the same statement remains valid for a much broader range of physical situations. In this chapter, we will introduce a small parameter characterizing the proximity of the electromagnetic radiation phase velocity in an underdense plasma and the speed of light and derive the corresponding asymptotic solutions describing the propagation of nonlinear relativistically intense waveforms comprising an electromagnetic and a plasma wave; their coupling results in nonlinear amplitude and phase self-modulation.KeywordsElectromagnetic WavePhase VelocityPlasma WaveNonlinear AmplitudePlasma Electron ComponentThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
