Self-Focusing of Gaussian Laser Beam in an Axially Magnetized Plasma

Abstract

A well established parabolic equation approach to study the evolution of self-focusing of Gaussian laser beam in underdense, magnetized plasma has been presented. The uniform external magnetic field is assumed to be applied along (forward) as well as opposite (reverse) to the direction of propagation of laser beam. The nonlinear differential equation governing dimensionless beam-width parameter is derived under WKB and paraxial approximations. It is observed that forward (reverse) magnetic field increases (decreases) the self-focusing of Gaussian laser beam as compared to the unmagnetized case of reference.