Nonlinear Propagation Dynamics of Intense Ultrashort Laser Pulses

Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Investigators

Abstract

A theoretical and experimental investigation will be made of the propagation of intense femtosecond laser pulses through transparent solids and gases under a wide variety of conditions. These studies will characterize the temporal, spatial, and spectral dynamics for the case in which the input power is above the threshold power for catastrophic self-focusing collapse. Regimes of study include the case in which the plasma formation plays a dominant role, and the possibility will be explored that a three-dimensional soliton pulse localized in space and time can be produced. Nonlinear propagation dynamics of ultrashort pulses through hollow-core waveguides filled with a noble gas will also be investigated, and it is expected this system will offer novel dynamics that are not present in interactions with bulk media. The proposed research will have implications for various areas of ultrafast science including femtosecond laser damage, long-range pulse propagation in optical media, and parametric and harmonic generation in gases with ultrashort pulses.