| Preface |
| Acknowledgments |
| Introduction |
| Chapter 1. Wave Besselian beams |
| | 1.1. | Basic equations |
| | 1.2. | The beam field and nonlinear structures |
| | 1.3. | Tubular Besselian beams |
| Chapter 2. Besselian beam formation |
| | 2.1. | Intensity distribution along the beam |
| | 2.2. | The field kinds of longitudinal distribution |
| | 2.3. | Axicon optics |
| | 2.4. | Axicon manufacturing methods |
| Chapter 3. Laser systems in Besselian beam experiment |
| | 3.1. | The laser oscillators |
| | | | Laser oscillator with passive Q-switch |
| | | | Laser oscillator with active Q-switch |
| | | | Laser oscillator with unstable resonator |
| | 3.2. | The laser amplifier system |
| | | | Amplification for laser oscillator G1 |
| | | | Amplification for laser oscillator G2 |
| | | | Amplifier for laser oscillator G3 |
| | 3.3. | Generation of probe radiation |
| Chapter 4. Research methodology |
| | 4.1. | Diagram of experimental setup |
| | 4.2. | Visualization of processes in Besselian beam field |
| | | | Optical discharge in the light of plasma radiation |
| | | | Optical discharge in the light of scattered radiation |
| | | | Scattering indicatrix recording |
| | | | Shadow and schlieren pictures of discharges |
| | | | Spectroscopy of optical discharge plasma |
| | 4.3. | Electron-optical registration of the discharge |
| | | | Linear scanning of processes |
| | | | Frame scanning of processes |
| | | | Directional coupler |
| | 4.4. | Synchronization system |
| | | | Block diagram of experiment control |
| | | | Digital devices for synchronization |
| | | | Sequence regulating of rapid processes |
| Chapter 5. Optical discharges and plasma channels in Besselian beam field |
| | 5.1. | Plasma channel creation techniques |
| | 5.2. | Besselian beam discharge propagation |
| | 5.3. | Discharge length in Besselian beam |
| | 5.4. | Propagation velocity of the optical discharge |
| Chapter 6. Radial expansion of plasma channels |
| | 6.1. | Expansion of plasma channel in air |
| | 6.2. | Comparison with self-similar solution |
| | 6.3. | Plasma channel expansion in some other gases |
| | 6.4. | Structures of plasma channels in Besselian beams |
| | 6.5. | Lifetime prolongation of Besselian beam channel |
| Chapter 7. Discharge structures in Besselian beams |
| | 7.1. | Typical structures of laser spark |
| | 7.2. | Breakdown mechanism in Besselian beam field |
| | 7.3. | Confusing structures of optical discharge |
| Chapter 8. Hydrodynamics of plasma channel created by Besselian beam |
| | 8.1. | Evolution of axisymmetric thermal explosion |
| | 8.2. | Radial expansion of the plasma channel |
| | 8.3. | Channels in radiation field of high power |
| | 8.4. | Instability of the plasma waveguide |
| | | | The modulation linear theory |
| | | | Numeral analysis of channel mode structure |
| Chapter 9. Parameters of the plasma channels |
| | 9.1. | Plasma channels of various kinds |
| | 9.2. | Electro-physical properties of plasma channels |
| | 9.3. | Emission spectra of plasma channels |
| | 9.4. | Diagnostics of cannel plasma parameters |
| | 9.5. | Spectral lines observed in plasma of some gases |
| Chapter 10. Possible applications of Besselian beams and the plasma channels |
| | 10.1. | Precise measurement of optical breakdown threshold |
| | 10.2. | Nonlinear effects in the fields below breakdown |
| | 10.3. | High-speed switch for current and voltage wide ranges |
| | 10.4. | Short-wave plasma laser |
| | 10.5. | Superpower laser pulses |
| | | | Laser plasma acceleration of electrons |
| | | | Generation of electromagnetic radiation |
| | 10.6. | Controlled thermonuclear synthesis |
| | | | Nuclear fusion with magnetically confined plasma |
| | | | Eelectrodynamic compression of plasma |
| | | | Nuclear fusion with inertial plasma confinement |
| | 10.7. | Some other possible applications |
| Conclusion |
| References |
| Index |
