Mode conversion of large-amplitude electromagnetic waves in relativistic critical density plasmas

The propagation of linearly polarized large-amplitude electromagnetic waves in critical density plasmas is studied in the framework of the Akiezer-Polovin model. A new mechanism of mode conversion is presented. The well-known periodic solutions are generalized to quasiperiodic solutions taking into account additional electrostatic oscillations. Nearly periodic circle-like solutions are found to be stabilized by intrinsic mode coupling whereas for nearly periodic eight-like solutions an effective mode conversion mechanism is discovered. Finally, the modulation timescales are considered. (authors)