Pulse-shaping in the interaction of an elliptically-polarized laser and magnetized plasma

Pulse shaping is a critical technique for optimizing laser–plasma interactions, enabling precise control over energy deposition, particle acceleration, and polarization dynamics. This study investigates the interaction of an elliptically polarized laser with magnetized plasma, exploring the effects of various spatial profiles, polarization states, electron density, external magnetic fields, and relativistic velocities on pulse compression. Numerical simulations reveal that elliptical polarization can enhance pulse compression by up to a factor of 3.5, driven by modified electron dynamics and phase modulation. The influence of polarization is most pronounced when the laser frequency is slightly below the cyclotron frequency in the X-mode, where efficient energy transfer and improved phase matching occur. A strong external magnetic field substantially alters the plasma refractive index, inducing self-focusing and achieving compressed pulse widths on the order of femtoseconds. Optimized spatial profiles, particularly the Cosh–Gaussian distribution, further improve compression efficiency, owing to better phase matching with plasma electrons. Additionally, longer laser wavelengths exhibit superior compression performance due to enhanced nonlinear coupling. These findings highlight the intricate interplay of plasma properties and laser parameters, offering insights into advanced pulse-shaping techniques for applications in particle acceleration and high-energy photonic systems.