Backward stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and backward stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) are two major laser-plasma instabilities that influence the laser-target energy coupling efficiency in inertial confinement fusion (ICF). Hot electrons excited by SRS can preheat the fuel. Their nonlinear competition determines the effectiveness of laser-plasma coupling and thus the performance of laser-driven fusion. In realistic laser fusion conditions, the electron distribution often deviates from a Maxwellian due to strong laser heating, leading to nonthermal effects such as the Langdon effect. Additionally, ion-ion collisions in multispecies plasmas such as CH can alter the damping and dispersion of ion acoustic waves.

This study aims to investigate the impact of the Langdon effect and ion-ion collisions on the competition between SRS and SBS in CH plasma, particularly focusing on their respective reflectivities under varying plasma conditions.

Five-wave coupling equations describing the nonlinear interactions among the pump laser, scattered light, Langmuir wave, and ion acoustic wave were numerically solved. A super-Gaussian electron distribution function was employed to incorporate the Langdon effect, while ion-ion collision effects were included through modifications to the ion susceptibility. The dispersion relations and damping characteristics of both electron plasma waves (EPWs) and ion acoustic waves (IAWs) were analyzed in detail.

The results reveal that the Langdon effect notably reduces Landau damping of EPWs and modifies the dispersion relation of SRS, enhancing its growth rate. Simultaneously, ion-ion collisions increase IAW damping and shift the SBS dispersion curve, weakening its instability. These combined effects lead to a dominance of SRS over SBS at lower electron densities, altering the overall backscattering reflectivity spectrum in laser fusion plasma.

Both the Langdon effect and ion-ion collisions play crucial roles in reshaping the nonlinear dynamics of SRS and SBS. Their influence must be considered in predictive models of laser-plasma interactions. These findings provide insight into optimizing plasma parameters for improved control of backscatter instabilities in inertial confinement fusion experiments.