# HV discharges triggered by dual- and triple-frequency laser filaments

## TL;DR

This paper investigates how different frequency upconversion schemes of near-IR picosecond laser pulses can optimize air filamentation to effectively guide and trigger electric discharges, emphasizing practical energy efficiency.

## Contribution

It compares the effectiveness of dual- and triple-frequency laser filaments in triggering discharges, highlighting the advantages of frequency conversion schemes like Second Harmonic Generation.

## Key findings

- Frequency upconversion improves discharge triggering efficiency.
- Second Harmonic Generation is particularly effective.
- Optimizing energy use enhances practical discharge control.

## Abstract

We study the use of frequency upconversion schemes of near-IR picosecond laser pulses and compare their ability to guide and trigger electric discharges through filamentation in air. Upconversion, such as Second Harmonic Generation, is favorable for triggering electric discharges for given amount of available laser energy, even taking into account the losses inherent to frequency conversion. We focus on the practical question of optimizing the use of energy from a given available laser system and the potential advantage to use frequency conversion schemes.