Laser propagation in dense magnetized plasma

A right-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic wave can propagate in a sufficiently magnetized plasma of any density without cutoff in the so-called whistler mode. With the recent realization of tens-kilotesla magnetic fields, laser propagation in highly magnetized high-density plasmas has become of practical interest, especially for heating plasmas to high energy density and igniting fusion targets. In this paper, the whistler regime of laser-plasma interaction is discussed. It is shown that moderately intense right-hand circularly polarized laser light can enter and propagate in high-density plasma and heat it efficiently because of the significantly reduced wave length and speed.