The effect of light filamentation on uniformity of energy deposition in laser plasmas

The detailed behaviour of a beam of light propagating through a fully ionized plasma is studied near the critical density. Transient effects in the laser beam and plasma are included by taking into account, in a self-consistent manner, the proper motion of the plasma in an intense electromagnetic field. Parameters of the laser beam and plasma conditions are studied that prove most beneficial in providing a uniform deposition of energy. The behaviour of the light beams near the critical density at the three wavelengths 1054 nm, 527 nm and 351 nm are compared.