Numerical study of the propagation of intense laser radiation in the atmosphere

This survey paper examines the general principles underlying the numerical simulation of the propagation of intense laser beams in the atmosphere, and discusses numerical results concerning this propagation. Consideration is given both to the propagation of laser beams in the regular atmosphere and to the effects of turbulence. Successful numerical experiments have led to attempts to develop optimal methods for the phase compensation of thermal defocusing. It is noted that numerical modeling methods play an important role in the design of adaptive-optics systems intended for the focusing of radiation in nonlinear media.