Localization of high-power laser pulses in plasmas

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Abstract
This paper considers the nonlinear propagation of an intense laser pulse in plasmas. The equation for the wave envelope is derived accounting for the nonlinearities originating from the electron-mass variation as well as the self-interaction of the laser field. It is shown that the wave equation and the equations governing the slow plasma response can be represented in terms of the energy integral of a classical particle. The analysis of the potential reveals the existence of the localized solutions. The criteria for the latter to occur are obtained. A small-amplitude limit is also discussed.