Raman scattering of circularly polarized laser beam in homogeneous and inhomogeneous magnetized plasma channel.

Raman scattering of circularly polarized laser beams in a magnetized plasma channel is investigated. The scattering is considered as parametric instability. Dispersion relations of backward and forward scattered waves in a magnetized plasma are derived in a weakly relativistic regime. Growth rates of the corresponding instabilities are calculated. The effects of laser intensity and its polarization as well as the strength of the magnetic field and corresponding cyclotron frequency along with plasma density and its inhomogeneity on the growth rate of Raman scattering are examined. The study shows that the left-handed circularly polarized laser beam has different behaviors in comparison to the right-handed beam, and their growth rates are different due to the anisotropic properties of the magnetized plasma. In addition, Raman scattering in an inhomogeneous plasma with a linear density profile is investigated. The comparison between homogeneous and inhomogeneous plasmas has indicated that inhomogeneity reduces the growth rate. The frequency shift of scattered waves, when laser intensity is high, is studied in the magnetized plasma. The findings indicate that the shift depends on laser intensity and its polarization as well as plasma density and dc magnetic field. The frequency shift can be used as a diagnostic tool for density measurement in laser-plasma interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]