Work

Real-time collective electron oscillations in non-relativistic femtosecond laser-produced plasma channels

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We have investigated real-time collective oscillations of plasma electron density in a femtosecond laser-induced helium plasma using time-resolved Mach–Zehnder interferometry with picosecond temporal resolution. Ultrashort laser pulses were focused on the helium gas jet, creating a peak intensity >1016 W cm−2 sufficient to ionize helium gas and generate a transient plasma channel longer than the Rayleigh range of the focusing optics. A weak plasma wake was formed behind the laser pulse due to the ponderomotive expulsion of electrons in the plasma. The Coulomb restoring force from the ions sets up collective plasma oscillations on picosecond time scales.

Source: Physics of Plasmas

DOI: 10.1063/5.0307647

Authors: Anu Avarachan, Akhil Varghese, Anitta Jomy, M. S. Meenu, C. P. Jinsi, Riju C. Issac

Institution: Cochin University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics

Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Science and Engineering Research Board

Awards: G1315807034, G5990438622, G8195172280