Short-pulse electromagnetic scattering on near-solid-density matter: Description of closed analytical expressions including opacity

We propose and elaborate a novel analytical method for describing the fundamental scattering processes of ultrashort laser pulses in matter under extreme conditions using the total scattering coefficient. This method considers the specifics of ultrafast electromagnetic interaction and the effects of pulse propagation in dense matter. It is demonstrated that analytical expressions can be obtained within the framework of the local plasma frequency model, allowing a link to be established between the dynamic polarizability and the dressed ion sphere that represents the extremely dense matter. Extinction and scattering cross sections are then functionals of the electron density, which is calculated in a self-consistent quantum-mechanical approach. Detailed calculations are carried out for the Al12+ ion in near-solid-density plasmas. The dependences on the laser pulse parameters and the opacity of the plasma are analyzed. Specific features of these dependences are established and explained.