Experimental Tests of the New Paradigm for Laser Filamentation in Gases

Details Experimental Tests of the New Paradigm for Laser Filamentation in Gases Experimental Tests of the New Paradigm for Laser Filamentation in Gases

2010-10-12

arxiv.org/abs/1010.2303v1

Physics

Optics

4 pages, 4 figures

Scientific paper

Since their discovery in the mid-1990s, ultrafast laser filaments in gases have been described as products of a dynamic balance between Kerr self-focusing and defocusing by free electric charges that are generated via multi-photon ionization on the beam axis. This established paradigm has been recently challenged by a suggestion that the Kerr effect saturates and even changes sign at high intensity of light, and that this sign reversal, not free-charge defocusing, is the dominant mechanism responsible for the extended propagation of laser filaments. We report qualitative tests of the new theory based on electrical and optical measurements of plasma density in femtosecond laser filaments in air and argon. Our results consistently support the established paradigm.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Experimental Tests of the New Paradigm for Laser Filamentation in Gases does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Experimental Tests of the New Paradigm for Laser Filamentation in Gases, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Experimental Tests of the New Paradigm for Laser Filamentation in Gases will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-608108