Ponderomotive effects in intense pumping wave action on electron and plasma bunches

Ponderomotive effects that arise when an intense plane pumping wave acts on low-concentration electron and plasma bunches are theoretically studied within the framework of a one-dimensional model. Using the Lagrange variables, an electron (plasma) bunch under the action of a pumping field can be represented as a gas comprising macroparticles with ponderomotive and Coulomb interactions. The ponderomotive force at small interparticle distances is attractive, that is, directed oppositely to the Coulomb force; it cannot, however, completely balance the latter. The constructed model is used to study superradiance, which arises when an intense pumping wave acts on an extended electron bunch. Radiation is then scattered in the form of narrow pulses whose amplitude is proportional to the total number of particles in the bunch. In addition, we describe acceleration of a neutral plasma layer, narrow on the wavelength scale, in the field of an intense wave and radiation field-induced partial contraction of an electron bunch with an incompletely compensated charge.