Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 March 2009
A linear parametric theory of laser light instabilities including decay, stimulated Raman and Brillouin scattering, etc. is currently well developed. However, attention is drawn to a novel laser light instability against parametric excitation of magneto-static fluctuations. In a collisionless plasma regime, magneto-static fields are driven by the ponderomotive electron magnetization current. Generally, two types of magneto-static instabilities exist: magneto-modulational instability and stimulated magneto-static scattering instability. Growth rates are calculated which indicate the possible importance for high laser intensity driven hot plasma regimes.