Fine-Scale Structures in Plasmas Stimulated by a CO2Laser

Abstract
Remarkable density structures are observed in the plasma generated during the rise of a high-power CO2 laser. Jetlike structures and density bowls are seen in interferograms. Infrared imaging shows that these bowls are linked to localized Brillouin-instability backscatter. Depolarization measurements also exhibit filamentary structures that extend far into the underdense regions of the plasma.