New model of Raman spectra in laser produced plasma

Some experimental observations of Raman scattering in laser produced plasma have been previously attributed to the onset of the convective Stimulated Raman Instability (SRS-C). This interpretation has had a number of difficulties, associated with the calculated threshold for onset of the SRS-C, the existence of gaps in the frequency spectrum near the incident frequency ω0 and near ω0/2, and with the angular distribution. We now propose a new explanation based on ordinary incoherent Thompson scattering, with a greatly enhanced plasma line. Transient local reversed-slope velocity distributions in the underdense region can be produced by pulses of hot electrons arising from the two-plasmon (2ω/sub p/) or absolute stimulated Raman instabilities (SRS-A) occurring near the quarter critical surface. A simple model yields the observed spectral gaps near ω0 and near ω0/2. It also explains the correlation of onset of this scattering with onset of the SRS-A, its transient localization in frequency and time, and the weak azimuthal angular variation. The existence of upscattered light is also predicted