Comparison of two theories during self-focusing of Gaussian laser beam in thermal conduction-loss predominant plasmas

In the present paper, self-focusing phenomenon occurring as a result of non-linear interaction of intense laser beam with thermal conduction-loss predominant plasmas is studied by following both approaches viz. paraxial theory approach and moment theory approach. Non-linear differential equations for the beam width parameters of laser beam have been set up and solved numerically in both cases to study the variation of beam width parameters with normalized distance of propagation. Effects of laser intensity as well as plasma density on the beam width parameters have also been analyzed. It is observed from the analysis that in case of moment theory approach, strong self-focusing of laser beam is observed as compared to paraxial theory approach.