DEFLECTION, SPRAYING AND INDUCED SCATTERING OF INTENSE LASER-BEAMS INPLASMAS

Investigations into laser beam spraying, deflection and induced scatte ring in plasmas are presented. Recent calculations and experiments on beam spraying due to filamentation are discussed. A simple model is pr esented for an enhanced beam deflection associated with nearly sonic p lasma flow transverse to the beam. This model provides useful insights on the laser beam deflection, its scaling and the importance of self- consistent profile modifications. Finally, some discussion is given of recent experiments demonstrating the interplay between stimulated Ram an and Brillouin scattering.