Raman amplification of ultrashort laser pulses in microcapillary plasmas

Experimental evidences of Raman amplification of ultrashort pulses in microcapillary plasmas are presented. The amplification of 100-500 fs pulses was investigated in microcapillaries with different lengths. The experimental data, together with simulation results, indicate that the resonance condition for Raman amplification in high-density plasma, n(e) approximately 1-3x10(20) cm(-3), existed only in a very short plasma column. Such an assumption makes it possible to reconcile the experimental results and theoretical predictions. Investigations in very short microcapillaries (0.2-0.5 mm) with a broadband seed pulse further support this hypothesis and the amplification factor is in agreement with the linear growth rate.