Two-Plasmon Decay and Profile Modification Produced by 10.6-μm Radiation at Quarter-Critical Density

Abstract
Two-plasmon decay of 10.6-μm radiation has been studied in a long density scale length (∼300 μm) plasma using Thomson scattering and interferometry. Enhanced levels of both electron and ion plasma waves have been observed near 14nc which are quenched during the CO2-laser pulse. Profile modification localized at 14nc has also been observed.