Abstract
The nonlinear propagation regimes of femtosecond pulses in noble gases and air are analyzed from an extended nonlinear Schrödinger equation coupled with the inertial response of an electron plasma created by multiphoton process and avalanche ionization. By means of integral relations supplemented by two variational approaches, it is shown that the electron density produced by photo-ionization defocuses the beam and arrests the self-focusing promoted by the Kerr response of the gas, so that a balance between both these effects can be realized for incident pulses with sufficiently high input power. Theoretical descriptions of self-guided beams emphasize the distortions caused by multiphoton sources in the temporal pulse profiles and they are confronted with direct numerical simulations. Dissipative effects as multiphoton absorption and the delayed Kerr response induced by air are finally discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
