Observation of relativistic and charge-displacement self-channeling of intense subpicosecond ultraviolet (248 nm) radiation in plasmas

Experimental studies examining a anew relativistic regime of high-intensity short-pulse propagation in plasmas have been performed which present evidence for the formation of a stable mode of spatially confined (channeled) propagation. For an electron density of 1.35×1021 cm-3 and a power of 3×1011 W, the results indicate a channel radius, 1 m and a peak intensity 1019 W cm2. Comparison of these findings with a dynamical theory yields agreement for both the longitudinal structure and the radial extent of the propagation observed. © 1992 The American Physical Society.