Bulk-to-surface-wave self-conversion in optically induced ionization processes

Nonlinear time evolution of a p-polarized wave mode with inhomogeneous transverse structure producing tunnel ionization of a gas is investigated by numerical simulation and theoretical analysis. A phenomenon of trapping of electromagnetic radiation via its adiabatic conversion into surface waves gui...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPhysical review. E, Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics Vol. 63; no. 6 Pt 2; p. 066402
Main Authors Gildenburg, V B, Zharova, N A, Bakunov, M I
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.06.2001
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Summary:Nonlinear time evolution of a p-polarized wave mode with inhomogeneous transverse structure producing tunnel ionization of a gas is investigated by numerical simulation and theoretical analysis. A phenomenon of trapping of electromagnetic radiation via its adiabatic conversion into surface waves guided by the field-created plasma structure is found out numerically. This process is accompanied by significant frequency downshifting of the electromagnetic radiation. The underlying physical mechanism is explained using a simple theoretical model. The described phenomena may play significant role in the self-channeling and frequency tuning of intense (approximately 10(14)-10(18) W/cm(2)) laser pulses in dense gases.
ISSN:1539-3755
1550-2376
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevE.63.066402