Plasma concept for generating circularly polarized electromagnetic waves with relativistic amplitude

Area of Science:

• Plasma physics
• Optics
• Electromagnetism

Background:

• Circularly polarized (CP) electromagnetic waves exhibit propagation characteristics dependent on plasma density and magnetic field strength.
• Intense circularly polarized light is crucial for creating high energy density plasmas in laboratory settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of magnetized plasma as a photonic device for generating intense circularly polarized laser light.
• To demonstrate a novel method for separating linearly polarized lasers into two counter-propagating CP waves using a plasma foil in a magnetic field.

Main Methods:

• Numerical simulations were employed to model the interaction of electromagnetic waves with a magnetized plasma foil.
• The study focused on analyzing the propagation features of circularly polarized waves in a plasma under an external magnetic field.

Main Results:

• A thin plasma foil subjected to an external magnetic field functions effectively as a polarizing plate.
• The device successfully separates a linearly polarized laser into two CP waves propagating in opposite directions.
• This plasma photonic device demonstrates the capability to generate intense CP waves, even at relativistic amplitudes.

Conclusions:

• A magnetized plasma foil can be utilized as a novel plasma photonic device for laser polarization.
• The demonstrated method offers an advantageous approach for generating intense circularly polarized light required for advanced plasma research.