High field physics and extreme nonlinear optics

Extreme Nonlinear Optics (high harmonic generation and attosecond generation)

This method relies on the possibility of FourierSynthesis of discrete lines over a broad spectrum (similar to mode-locking). A Raman medium is characterized by its Raman frequency ω0, which can be the difference between two rotational or vibrational lines. When we apply a laser excitation ωL − ωs close to ω0, we can obtain gain at the stokes (ωL−nω0) and anti-stokes (ωL+nω0) frequencies, the Ra...

Physics 673 : Nonlinear and Quantum Optics

A-9 Nonlinear Optics - Physics 191r

The extreme nonlinear optics of gases and femtosecond optical filamentation

Under certain conditions, powerful ultrashort laser pulses can form greatly extended, propagating filaments of concentrated high intensity in gases, leaving behind a very long trail of plasma. Such filaments can be much longer than the longitudinal scale over which a laser beam typically diverges by diffraction, with possible applications ranging from laser-guided electrical discharges to high ...

Physics and applications of atmospheric nonlinear optics and filamentation.

We review the properties and applications of ultrashort laser pulses in the atmosphere, with a particular focus on filamentation. Filamentation is a non-linear propagation regime specific of ultrashort and ultraintense laser pulses in the atmosphere. Typical applications include remote sensing of atmospheric gases and aerosols, lightning control, laser-induced spectroscopy, coherent anti-stokes...