Abstract
The propagation of ultrashort, ultra-intense laser pulses gives rise to strongly nonlinear processes. In particular, filamentation is observed, yielding a ionized, conducting plasma channel where white-light supercontinuum due to self-phase modulation occurs. This supercontinuum, extending from the UV to the IR, is a suitable "white laser" source for atmospheric remote sensing, and especially Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging). Recent significant results in this regard are presented, as well as lightning control using ultrashort laser pulses. The application of ultrashort-pulse lidar to aerosol monitoring is also discussed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 238-248 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering |
Volume | 5226 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | 12th International School on Quantum Electronics Laser Physics and Applications - Varna, Bulgaria Duration: Sep 23 2002 → Sep 27 2002 |
Keywords
- Aerosol detection
- Atmospheric propagation
- Lidar
- Lightning control
- Remote sensing
- Ultrafast lasers
- Ultrafast nonlinear optics
- White-light generation