Nonlinear interaction of a high-power electromagnetic beam in a dusty plasma: Two-dimensional effects

A large-amplitude Gaussian electromagnetic beam, propagating through a dust y plasma, heats the electrons nonuniformly. As the electron temperature ris es, the rate of electron attachment to dust particles changes, modifying du st charge and free electron density. Further, the ambipolar diffusion of th e plasma under thermal pressure gradient creates a plasma channel that guid es the electromagnetic beam. At powers exceeding a threshold value, the bea m becomes self-focused. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S1070-664X (99)00503-0].