Laser Physics at Relativistic Intensities

This book addresses the nonlinear interactions of ultra-high-intensity electromagnetic radiation with matter. It describes fundamentally new regimes of laser pulse propagation, including relativistic and charge-displacement self-channelling and instabilities of electromagnetic radiation in plasmas (Raman scattering by plasmons, harmonic excitation, collective Compton effect). The analysis makes use of fully nonlinear models, analytical techniques and extensive simulations, whereby both qualitative and quantitative interpretations are included. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to laser physics at relativistic intensities that will be valuable to both researchers and graduate students.