Propagation of finite length laser pulses in plasma channels

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1999 · Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.59.3614· OSTI ID:321977

Sprangle, P; Hafizi, B; Serafim, P ^[1]

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1. Beam Physics Branch, Plasma Physics Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375 (United States)

Finite pulse length effects are shown to play a major role in the propagation, stability, and guiding of intense laser beams in plasmas. We present the quasiparaxial approximation (QPA) to the wave equation that takes finite pulse length effects into account. The QPA is an extension of the usual paraxial approximation. The laser field is shown to be significantly modified for pulses less than a few tens of wavelengths long. A pair of coupled envelope-power equations having finite pulse length effects, as well as relativistic and atomic electron nonlinearities, is derived and analyzed. Short laser pulses propagating in plasma channels are found to undergo an envelope oscillation in which the front of the pulse is always damped while the back initially grows. The modulation eventually damps due to frequency spread phase mixing. In addition, finite pulse length effects are shown to modify nonlinear focusing processes significantly. thinsp {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}

• OSTI ID: 321977
• Journal Information: Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics, Journal Name: Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 59; ISSN PLEEE8; ISSN 1063-651X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
BEAM-PLASMA SYSTEMS
LASER RADIATION
PULSED IRRADIATION
WAVE EQUATIONS