Abstract
Plasma density oscillations (Langmuir waves) in the wake of an intense ( ) laser pulse (100 fs) are measured with ultrafast time resolution using a longitudinal interferometric technique. Phase shifts consistent with large amplitude ( ) density waves at the electron plasma frequency were observed in a fully tunnel-ionized He plasma, corresponding to longitudinal electric fields of . Strong radial ponderomotive forces enhance the density oscillations.
- Received 7 December 1995
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.76.3570
©1996 American Physical Society