Measurements of self-guiding of ultrashort laser pulses over long distances
OA Location
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We report on the evaluation of the performance of self-guiding over extended distances with $f/20$ and $f/40$ focussing geometries. Guiding over $39\,\mathrm{mm}$ or more than 100 Rayleigh ranges was observed with the $f/20$ optic at ${n}_{e}=1.5\times {10}^{18}\,{\mathrm{cm}}^{-3}$. Analysis of guiding performance found that the extent of the exiting laser spatial mode closely followed the matched spot size predicted by 3D nonlinear theory. Self-guiding with an $f/40$ optic was also characterised, with guided modes observed for a plasma length of $90\,\mathrm{mm}$ and a plasma density of ${n}_{e}=9.5\times {10}^{17}\,{\mathrm{cm}}^{-3}$. This corresponds to self-guided propagation over 53 Rayleigh ranges and is similar to distances obtained with discharge plasma channel guiding.
Date Issued
2017-10-31
Date Acceptance
2017-09-26
Citation
Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion, 2017, 60 (1)
ISSN
0741-3335
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Journal / Book Title
Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion
Volume
60
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© 2017 IOP Publishing Ltd
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Physics
self-guiding
plasma
wakefield
accelerators
high-intensity
laser
ELECTRON-BEAMS
ACCELERATOR
PLASMAS
INTENSE
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
014022