Memory effects in the long-wave infrared avalanche ionization of gases: A review of recent progress

TL;DR

This review discusses recent progress in understanding avalanche ionization in gases at long infrared wavelengths, emphasizing a new microscopic approach that considers dynamic variables and the full pulse history for better modeling of long-distance atmospheric pulse propagation.

Contribution

The paper introduces a microscopically motivated model for avalanche ionization that extends beyond the standard instantaneous intensity approach, incorporating electron energy, plasma temperature, and pulse history.

Findings

Avalanche ionization rate depends on the full pulse history.

The new model accounts for dynamic electron and plasma variables.

It improves understanding of long-distance IR pulse propagation.

Abstract

There are currently intense efforts being directed towards extending the range and energy of long distance nonlinear pulse propagation in the atmosphere by moving to longer infrared wavelengths, with the purpose of mitigating the effects of turbulence. In addition, picosecond and longer pulse durations are being used to increase the pulse energy. While both of these tacks promise improvements in applications, such as remote sensing and directed energy, they open up fundamental issues regarding the standard model used to calculate the nonlinear optical properties of dilute gases. Amongst these issues is that for longer wavelengths and longer pulse durations, exponential growth of the laser-generated electron density, the so-called avalanche ionization, can limit the propagation range via nonlinear absorption and plasma defocusing. It is therefore important for the continued development of the field to assess the theory and role of avalanche ionization in gases for longer wavelengths. Here, after an overview of the standard model, we present a microscopically motivated approach for the analysis of avalanche ionization in gases that extends beyond the standard model and we contend is key for deepening our understanding of long distance propagation at long infrared wavelengths. Our new approach involves the mean electron kinetic energy, the plasma temperature, and the free electron density as dynamic variables. The rate of avalanche ionization is shown to depend on the full time history of the pulsed excitation, as opposed to the standard model in which the rate is proportional to the instantaneous intensity.