Self-focusing of a laser beam in a strongly ionized plasma

In the presence of a strong Gaussian laser beam, the non-linearity in the dielectric constant of a strongly ionized plasma has been investigated. The non-linearity arises due to the heating and redistribution of the electrons; the loss of electron energy gained from the field has been assumed to be due to thermal conduction. This self-induced non-linearity causes a self-focusing and oscillatory waveguide propagation of the beam even when the non-linear dielectric constant does not fall in the saturating range. In a typical case of a 10¹⁰ W laser, the enhancement of axial intensity by a factor of 25 has been predicted in a length of 0.6 cm.Works supported by N.S.F. (USA).On leave from Malviya Regional Engeeniring College, Jaipur-4, India.