Stimulated backscattered harmonic generation from intense laser interactions with beams and plasmas

Abstract

Stimulated backscattered harmonic radiation generated by the interaction of an intense pump-laser field with an electron beam or plasma is analyzed using a fully nonlinear, relativistic, fluid theory valid to all orders in the pump-laser amplitude. The backscattered radiation occurs at odd harmonics of the Doppler-shifted incident laser frequency. The growth rates, saturation levels (efficiencies), and thermal limitations are calculated for the backscattered harmonic radiation. This mechanism may provide a practical method for producing coherent radiation in the XUV regime.