Relativistic self-focusing of super-Gaussian laser beam in plasma with transverse magneticfield

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents an investigation of a self-consistent, theoretical model, which explains the ring formation in a super-Gaussian laser beam propagating in plasma with transverse magnetic field, characterized by relativistic nonlinearity. Higher order terms (up to r 4 ) in the expansion of the dielectric function and the eikonal have been taken into account. The condition for the formation of a dark and bright ring has been used to study focusing/defocusing of the beam. It is seen that inclusion of higher order terms does significantly affect the dependence of beam width parameter on the distance of propagation. Self-focusing of super-Gaussian beam is studied at various values of super-Gaussian coefficient, m and magnetic field. Further, we have studied some distinct features of critical power curves for varying values of magnetic field.