Phase-matched third harmonic generation in a plasma

Relativistic third-harmonic generation in a plasma is investigated. The growth of a third-harmonic wave is limited by the difference between the phase velocity of the pump and driven waves. This phase velocity mismatch results in a third-harmonic amplitude saturation and oscillation. In order to overcome this saturation, a phase-matching scheme based on a resonant density modulation is described. The limitations of this scheme are analyzed.<
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