Full path single-shot imaging of femtosecond pulse collapse in air turbulence

Abstract

In a single shot, we measure the full propagation path, including the evolution to pulse collapse, of a high power femtosecond laser pulse propagating in air. This technique enables single-shot examination of the effect of parameters that fluctuate on a shot-to-shot basis, such as pulse energy, pulse duration, and air turbulence-induced refractive index perturbations. We find that even in lab air over relatively short propagation distances, turbulence plays a significant role in determining the location of pulse collapse.

References in corpus (1)

• Sensitivity of propagation and energy deposition in femtosecond filamentation to the nonlinear refractive index

Cited by in corpus (1)

• Statistical parameters of femtosecond laser pulse post-filament propagation on 65m air path with localized optical turbulence