Published January 2002 | Version v1
Journal article

Long plasma channels generated by femtosecond laser pulses

  • 1. Laboratory of Optical Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080 (China)
  • 2. Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 230026 (China)

Description

Generation of a long plasma channel by femtosecond laser pulses is investigated. The results show that the balance between the nonlinear self-focusing of the laser beam and plasma defocusing forms a long plasma channel, which guides the laser beam to propagate a long distance in air. This phenomenon can be used to trigger lightning

Additional details

Identifiers

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics
Journal Volume
65
Journal Issue
1
Journal Page Range
p. 016406-016406.5
ISSN
1063-651X
CODEN
PLEEE8

INIS

Country of Publication
United States
Country of Input or Organization
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
INIS RN
36001612
Subject category
S71: CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS; S70: PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY;
Descriptors DEI
LASER-PRODUCED PLASMA; LASERS; LIGHTNING; PLASMA PRODUCTION; PULSES
Descriptors DEC
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES; PLASMA

Optional Information

Notes
(c) 2001 The American Physical Society