Scattering Cross Section of Thomson Due to Magneto hydrodynamic Effects

Abstract

We derive the Thomson scattering differential cross section for a non-relativistic, magnetized plasma in the magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) regime and compute the corresponding dynamic structure factor . Using MHD dispersion relations (Alfven, fast and slow magneto sonic modes), we show how the collective excitations modify the Thomson scattering spectrum: in addition to the elastic (Rayleigh) peak and cyclotron features, the spectrum exhibits pairs of Brillion-like peaks associated with fast and slow magneto sonic waves. We present a numerical simulation of the factor  that demonstrates the relative positions and widths of these peaks for representative plasma parameters. These results are relevant for interpreting Thomson-scattering diagnostics in magnetized high-density plasmas