Plasmon scattering by electrons in the simultaneous presence of two laser fields is considered. A kinetic equation for the plasmon population is derived, and the rate of change of the plasmon population is calculated. We found that plasma waves propagating parallel to the direction of polarization of the radiation fields may be amplified over a relatively narrow range of plasmon wave numbers.

• Received 5 June 1989

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.40.4107