Localized whistlers in magnetized spin quantum plasmas

The nonlinear propagation of electromagnetic (EM) electron-cyclotron waves (whistlers) along an external magnetic field, and their modulation by electrostatic small but finite amplitude ion-acoustic density perturbations are investigated in a uniform quantum plasma with intrinsic spin of electrons. The effects of the quantum force associated with the Bohm potential and the combined effects of the classical as well as the spin-induced ponderomotive forces (CPF and SPF respectively) are taken into consideration. The latter modify the local plasma density in a self-consistent manner. The coupled modes of wave propagation is shown to be governed by a modified set of nonlinear Schr\"{o}dinger-Boussinesq-like equations which admit exact solutions in form of stationary localized envelopes. Numerical simulation reveals the existence of large-scale density fluctuations that are self-consistently created by the localized whistlers in a strongly magnetized high density plasma. The conditions for the modulational instability (MI) and the value of its growth rate are obtained. Possible applications of our results, e.g., in strongly magnetized dense plasmas and in the next generation laser-solid density plasma interaction experiments are discussed.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures; To appear in Physical Review E (2010

Short wavelength quantum electrodynamical correction to cold plasma-wave propagation

The effect of short wavelength quantum electrodynamic (QED) correction on plasma-wave propagation is investigated. The effect on plasma oscillations and on electromagnetic waves in an unmagnetized as well as a magnetized plasma is investigated. The effects of the short wavelength QED corrections are most significant for plasma oscillations and for extraordinary modes. In particular, the QED correction allow plasma oscillations to propagate, and the extra-ordinary mode looses its stop band. The significance of our results is discussed.Comment: 12 pages, 5 figure

Spin solitons in magnetized pair plasmas

A set of fluid equations, taking into account the spin properties of the electrons and positrons in a magnetoplasma, are derived. The magnetohydrodynamic limit of the pair plasma is investigated. It is shown that the microscopic spin properties of the electrons and positrons can lead to interesting macroscopic and collective effects in strongly magnetized plasmas. In particular, it is found that new Alfvenic solitary structures, governed by a modified Korteweg-de Vries equation, are allowed in such plasmas. These solitary structures vanish if the quantum spin effects are neglected. Our results should be of relevance for astrophysical plasmas, e.g. in pulsar magnetospheres.Comment: 7 page

Instability and dynamics of two nonlinearly coupled laser beams in a plasma

We investigate the nonlinear interaction between two laser beams in a plasma in the weakly nonlinear and relativistic regime. The evolution of the laser beams is governed by two nonlinear Schroedinger equations that are coupled with the slow plasma density response. We study the growth rates of the Raman forward and backward scattering instabilities as well of the Brillouin and self-focusing/modulational instabilities. The nonlinear evolution of the instabilities is investigated by means of direct simulations of the time-dependent system of nonlinear equations.Comment: 18 pages, 8 figure

Ultrarelativistic nanoplasmonics as a new route towards extreme intensity attosecond pulses

The generation of ultra-strong attosecond pulses through laser-plasma interactions offers the opportunity to surpass the intensity of any known laboratory radiation source, giving rise to new experimental possibilities, such as quantum electrodynamical tests and matter probing at extremely short scales. Here we demonstrate that a laser irradiated plasma surface can act as an efficient converter from the femto- to the attosecond range, giving a dramatic rise in pulse intensity. Although seemingly similar schemes have been presented in the literature, the present setup deviates significantly from previous attempts. We present a new model describing the nonlinear process of relativistic laser-plasma interaction. This model, which is applicable to a multitude of phenomena, is shown to be in excellent agreement with particle-in-cell simulations. We provide, through our model, the necessary details for an experiment to be performed. The possibility to reach intensities above 10^26 W/cm^2, using upcoming 10 petawatt laser sources, is demonstrated.Comment: 15 pages, 5 figure

Modulational instability criteria for two-component Bose-Einstein condensates

The stability of colliding Bose-Einstein condensates is investigated. A set of coupled Gross-Pitaevskii equations is thus considered, and analyzed via a perturbative approach. No assumption is made on the signs (or magnitudes) of the relevant parameters like the scattering lengths and the coupling coefficients. The formalism is therefore valid for asymmetric as well as symmetric coupled condensate wave states. A new set of explicit criteria is derived and analyzed. An extended instability region, in addition to an enhanced instability growth rate is predicted for unstable two component bosons, as compared to the individual (uncoupled) state.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figur

The intensity dependent mass shift: existence, universality and detection

The electron mass shift in a laser field has long remained an elusive concept. We show that the mass shift can exist in pulses but that it is neither unique nor universal: it can be reduced by pulse shaping. We show also that the detection of mass shift effects in laser-particle scattering experiments is feasible with current technology, even allowing for the transverse structure of realistic beams.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures. V2: references added, introduction expande