Abstract

Many practical applications of ultrashort, high power laser pulses require the laser pulse to be focused to a high intensity and remain relatively collimated over large distances in plasmas. Such applications include x-ray lasers [1], laser-plasma-based electron accelerators [2] and laser-induced nuclear fusion schemes [3]. Self-focusing and self-channeling of laser pulses by relativistic and ponderomotive mechanisms [4] are laser-plasma processes which can accomplish this feat.

© 1997 Optical Society of America