By using an improved cavitation model, relativistic self-channeling structures are derived, which make it possible to propagate laser powers exceeding the critical one for self-focusing. A propagation mode for high laser power is also presented which is qualitatively different from those in the weakly relativistic case. Structural stability analysis shows that stable self-wave-guide propagation can take place.

• Received 13 December 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.65.036416