The production of (3/2) ω0 light by the two-plasmon decay instability

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Abstract
Measurements of the emission of (3/2) ω0 light from CO2 laser plasma interactions are described. The target was an underdense preformed plasma with a relatively long density scalelength. Comparisons are made between the (3/2) ω0 emission and the spectrum of plasma waves driven by the two‐plasmon decay instability as measured by Thomson scattering techniques. The spectrum of (3/2) ω0 light is shown as a function of scattering angle and compared with the relevant theories. Strong modulation of the spectrum was seen and is ascribed to the production of short‐wavelength ion waves by the plasma waves.