Dissertation Title:
“FILAMENT PLASMA DENSITY ENHANCEMENT USING TWO CO-PROPAGATING BEAMS”
Abstract:
Filaments are self-guided plasma channels generated from laser pulses with power above a critical value. They can propagate several times the Rayleigh length for diffraction and can travel through adverse atmospheric conditions. As such, filaments are useful in applications such as long wavelength electromagnetic and discharge guiding, and weather manipulation to name a few. Arrays of filaments can be useful to these applications, particularly in the generation of waveguides. However, understanding the filament-induced plasma dynamics of two closely propagating beams is crucial in designing the ideal waveguide. One common way to characterize a filament is through the electron density of the plasma channel, a property which has previously been proven to be clamped for a single filament. This work will show how the electron density can be enhanced through the use of two co-propagating beams, taking advantage of their interaction. Three cases were studied: two sub-critical beams, one subcritical beam and one filament, and two filaments. The separations and focusing conditions of the beams were also varied. Enhancement of the electron density and lengthening of the plasma lifetime will be discussed for each case.
Major: Optics and Photonics
Educational Career:
BS: 2017, Physics, University of Chicago
Committee in Charge:
Dr. Martin Richardson (Chair)
Dr. Romain Gaume
Dr. Jim Moharam
Approved for distribution by Dr. Martin Richardson, Committee Chair, on May 19, 2019.
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