Dynamic control of the polarization of intense laser beams via optical wave mixing in plasmas

When intense laser beams overlap in plasmas, the refractive index modulation created by the beat wave via the ponderomotive force can lead to optical wave mixing phenomena similar to those used in crystals and photorefractive materials. A new comprehensive analytical description of the modification of the polarization state of laser beams crossing at arbitrary angles in a plasma is presented. It is shown that a laser-plasma system can be used to provide full control of the polarization state of a separate "probe" laser beam; simple analytical estimates and practical considerations are provided for the design of novel photonics devices such as laser-plasma polarizers and wave plates.