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×{}10²¹ cm^-3 and a power of {~}3×{}10¹¹ W, the results indicate a channel radius ,1 {μ}m and a peak intensity {~}10¹⁹ W cm². Comparison of these findings with a dynamical theory yields agreement for both the longitudinal structure and the radial extent of the propagation observed.