Abstract
In the presence of a strong Gaussian laser beam, the non-linearity in the dielectric constant of a strongly ionized plasma has been investigated. The non-linearity arises due to the heating and redistribution of the electrons; the loss of electron energy gained from the field has been assumed to be due to thermal conduction. This self-induced non-linearity causes a self-focusing and oscillatory waveguide propagation of the beam even when the non-linear dielectric constant does not fall in the saturating range. In a typical case of a 1010 W laser, the enhancement of axial intensity by a factor of 25 has been predicted in a length of 0.6 cm.
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References
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Works supported by N.S.F. (USA).
On leave from Malviya Regional Engeeniring College, Jaipur-4, India.
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Sodha, M.S., Khanna, R.K. & Tripathi, V.K. Self-focusing of a laser beam in a strongly ionized plasma. Opto-electronics 5, 533–538 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02109658
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02109658