It is demonstrated by experiments and supporting particle simulations that the forward Raman instability is capable of producing extremely high-energy electrons in an underdense plasma. The instability has a high saturation level for the electrostatic wave component. Its consequences and applications to the laser electron accelerator and the laser-fusion pellet preheat are discussed.

• Received 30 March 1981

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.47.1285