Nonlinear optics in the X-ray regime: nonlinear waves and self-action effects.
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.
Research Center Enrico Fermi, Via Panisperna 89/A, I-00184, Roma, Italy.
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Conti
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Fratalocchi
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Ruocco
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Sette
D003198:Computer Simulation; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D055095:Optics and Photonics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D014965:X-Rays