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arXiv · 2003.11405

Self-guiding of long-wave infrared laser pulses mediated by avalanche ionization

D. Woodbury·A. Goffin·R. M. Schwartz·J. Isaacs·H. M. Milchberg
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Abstract

Nonlinear self-guided propagation of intense long-wave infrared (LWIR) laser pulses is of significant recent interest owing to the high critical power for self-focusing collapse at long wavelengths. This promises transmission of very high power in a single filament as opposed to beam breakup and multi-filamentation. Here, using the most current picture of LWIR ionization processes in air, we present extensive simulations showing that isolated avalanche sites centered on aerosols can arrest self-focusing, providing a route to self-guided propagation of moderate intensity LWIR pulses in outdoor environments.

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D. Woodbury, A. Goffin, R. M. Schwartz, J. Isaacs, H. M. Milchberg. 2020-03-25. Self-guiding of long-wave infrared laser pulses mediated by avalanche ionization. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.125.133201

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