Role of magnetic field on self focusing of super-Gaussian laser beam under relativistic effect

Abstract

Considering an external magnetic field along the direction of propagation of laser, the self focusing of a super-Gaussian laser beam is studied when it propagates through the plasma at relativistic intensities. We consider the cyclotron motion of the electrons and use the tensor form of the plasma dielectric constant obtained based on the direction of the external magnetic field. For completeness, relativistic mass effect is incorporated in both the plasma frequency and electron cyclotron frequency. Using appropriate conditions, an equation for the beam width parameter is derived and solved. The equilibrium beam radius for a self trapped laser beam is also derived. Self focusing is better when cyclotron effects are taken into account. At higher intensity and higher spot size of the laser beam, self focusing becomes better.