Observation of relativistic and charge-displacement self-channeling of intense subpicosecond ultraviolet (248 nm) radiation in plasmas

Experimental studies examining a anew relativistic regime of high-intensity short-pulse propagation in plasmas have been performed which present evidence for the formation of a stable mode of spatially confined (channeled) propagation. For an electron density of ∼1.35×${10}^{21}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{-}3}$ and a power of ∼3×${10}^{11}$ W, the results indicate a channel radius ,1 μm and a peak intensity ∼${10}^{19}$ W ${\mathrm{cm}}^2$. Comparison of these findings with a dynamical theory yields agreement for both the longitudinal structure and the radial extent of the propagation observed.