I Self-Focusing, Self-Trapping, and Self-Phase Modulation of Laser Beams

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the self-action effects of a powerful and quasi-monochromatic light wave, which propagates in a nonlinear isotropic medium. Among these self-action effects, the chapter gives emphasis on the processes of self-focusing, self-trapping, and self-phase-modulation. The experimental and theoretical material presented in the chapter offers evidence that much progress is made in this field in the past few years. The main physical effects have been predicted and observed experimentally, and a mathematical framework has been developed that makes it possible to trace, at least qualitatively, the main features of these self-action effects. The importance and impact of self-action effects in the field of quantum electronics should be stressed. The propagation of a powerful light wave in a nonlinear medium is by itself a very interesting case of nonlinear diffraction. Moreover, the study of self-action effects has led to a considerably greater understanding of the physical mechanisms of nonlinear polarization, which is of the nonlinear dynamic behavior of matter.