Laser–plasma instabilities are the major challenges in inertial confinement fusion. However, when properly controlled, they can also be harnessed to enable plasma-based optical functionalities. In particular, backward Raman scattering (BRS) has been widely studied for laser amplification and dynamic holography [1,2], while forward Raman scattering (FRS) has recently emerged as a promising alternative with higher efficiency and a simpler interaction geometry [3].

In this work, we investigate plasma holography enabled by FRS and demonstrate its feasibility through an analytical three-wave model, numerical simulations of the envelope equations, and particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. In uniform plasmas, optical information carried by an information wave can be faithfully recorded into an electron plasma wave (EPW) and subsequently retrieved with high fidelity. When plasma density inhomogeneity is introduced, the holographic process exhibits a pronounced asymmetry: while EPW excitation during recording remains robust, the retrieval process becomes highly sensitive to phase mismatch. Besides, pre-existing EPWs generated by alternative mechanisms [4] can be converted into optical signals during retrieval.

As a result, density-dependent holography supports a range of applications, including waveform encoding via selective removal and insertion of pulse segments, as well as diagnostics of plasma density uniformity in large-scale systems. These findings highlight the potential of FRS as a versatile platform for waveform control and plasma diagnostics in complex plasma environments.
 

Stimulated Raman Scattering,plasma holography,waveform control,Plasma Diagnostics