Abstract
Compression schemes for the generation of ultrashort laser pulses traditionally employ Kerr-based spectral broadening in a confined nonlinear geometry (photonic crystal fiber or hollow fiber) followed by an external dispersion compensation scheme. Circumventing the pulse energy limitation of traditional compression, filament self-compression has recently emerged as an alternative method [1,2]. In particular, this scheme does not require any further dispersion compensation after nonlinear propagation in the filamentary channel, a circumstance that is not fully understood theoretically at this point. In the following, we will discuss on-axis self-compression as arising from a self-induced spatial contraction of the pulsed laser beam, with only negligible longitudinal energy exchange and conventional pulse shaping action. In fact, the mechanism behind the novel compression scheme is found to show a resemblance with methods for compressing electric currents in so-called z-pinch discharges. These high-current discharges show some remarkable parallels to the nonlinear optical scenario of filamentary propagation. These include a Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation for the magnetic field, the formation of plasma filaments due to spatial break-up, and a self-induced pinching mechanism.
© 2009 IEEE
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