Pulse self-compression to single-cycle pulse widths a few decades above the self-focusing threshold

Abstract

We identify a physical scenario whereby optical-field waveforms with peak powers several decades above the critical power of self-focusing can self-compress to subcycle pulse widths. With beam breakup, intense hot spots, and optical damage of the material avoided within the pulse compression length by keeping this length shorter than the modulation-instability buildup length, the beam is shown to preserve its continuity at the point of subcycle pulse generation.