Self-modulation of Bessel-Gaussian wave beams in a medium with cubic nonlinearity

A semi-discrete dynamic model has been developed for the formation of the spatial structure of wave fields in a medium with cubic nonlinearity. The characteristic features of self-focusing and conical modulation of intense Bessel-Gaussian light beams of different orders have been studied in different stages of their evolution during propagation. It has been shown that as a result of nonlinear refraction, in the far zone wave structures are formed consisting of three spatially separated conical beams. Increasing the cone angle of the wave vectors leads to a decrease in the effect of conical modulation of the radiation, and improves the structural stability of the beam. The considered self-modulation effects can be used for passive limiting of the laser radiation power. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 73, No. 5, pp. 626–630, September–October, 2006.