Instability-generated laser reflection in plasmas

The decay of laser radiation into another electromagnetic wave plus either an ion acoustic wave (Brillouin) or an electron plasma wave (Raman) is studied. The nonlinear evolution of these instabilities was studied in electromagnetic, relativistic-particle simulations. Particular attention is focused on relativistic-particle production by the Raman instability and laser light reflection by the Brillouin instability. Several techniques to reduce these instability effects are also presented. (MOW)