Catastrophic Collapse of Ultrashort Pulses

Alexander L. Gaeta
Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 3582 – Published 17 April 2000
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Abstract

We investigate theoretically the self-focusing dynamics of an ultrashort laser pulse both near and above the threshold at which the pulse effectively undergoes catastrophic collapse. We find that, as a result of space-time focusing and self-steepening, an “optical shock” wave forms inside the medium that gives rise to a broad blueshifted pedestal in the transmitted pulse spectrum. Our results are in good agreement with the primary features observed in experiments and thus provide a theoretical understanding for the underlying process that gives rise to “white-light” generation.

  • Received 28 October 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.84.3582

©2000 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Alexander L. Gaeta

  • School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853

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Vol. 84, Iss. 16 — 17 April 2000

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