Two-plasmon decay in a CO2-laser-plasma interaction experiment

Abstract

Two-plasmon decay has been observed in a C${\mathrm{O}}_2$-laser-gas-target-plasma interaction experiment. The spectrum of $\frac{3}{2}$-harmonic radiation has been measured and the threshold intensity for decay determined. An experimental value of ∼ 2 × ${10}^{11}$ W/${\mathrm{cm}}^2$ is in reasonable agreement with theoretical predictions for an inhomogeneous plasma.