Open AccessNonlinear optics in the X-ray regime: nonlinear waves and self-action effects
Author(s) -
Claudio Conti,
Andrea Fratalocchi,
G. Ruocco,
F. Sette
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.16.008324
Subject(s) - physics , nonlinear system , nonlinear optics , optics , plasma , self focusing , electron , electromagnetic radiation , laser , ionization , maxwell's equations , geometrical optics , ion , classical mechanics , laser beams , quantum mechanics
We study the nonlinear refraction of X-rays in highly ionized condensed matter by using a classical model of a cold electron plasma in a lattice of still ions coupled with Maxwell equations. We discuss the existence and stability of nonlinear waves. As a real-world example, we consider beam self-defocusing in crystalline materials (B, C, Li, Na). We predict that nonlinear processes become comparable to the linear ones for focused beams with powers of the order of mc(3)/ro (approximately 10 GW), the classical electron power. As a consequence, nonlinear phenomena are expected in currently exploited X-ray Free-Electron Lasers and in their future developments.