Long-Lived Waveguides and Sound Wave Generation by Laser Filamentation

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of long-lived optical waveguides and sound waves generated by laser filamentation in the atmosphere, opening possibilities for remote atmospheric manipulation and applications.

Contribution

It introduces the observation of microsecond-scale atmospheric optical waveguides and associated sound waves created by laser filaments, a novel phenomenon with potential practical uses.

Findings

Long-lived optical waveguides lasting microseconds.

Formation and outward propagation of sound waves.

Potential for remote atmospheric structure induction.

Abstract

We discover long-lived (microsecond-scale) optical waveguiding in the wake of atmospheric laser filaments. We also observe the formation and then outward propagation of the consequent sound wave. These effects may be used for remote induction of atmospheric long-lived optical structures from afar which could serve for a variety of applications.