Real-Time Four Dimensional Hyperspectral Imaging of Plasmas and Filamentation
Abstract
Understanding temporally evolving, spatially dependent electron density distributions, such as those found in laser-induced plasmas and filaments is exceptionally challenging due to intrinsic four-dimensional – 4D – structure (3 spatial dimensions and time). Femtosecond bursts of light provide an ideal probe however; there is no robust technique capable of measuring the full spatiotemporal profile of an ultrashort pulse-beam. Single-shot measurements of the average temporal profile of an ultrashort pulse provide only a glimpse into the rich dynamics of the electric field and electron density fluctuations, especially in the presence of strong spatiotemporal coupling. A single-shot technique capable of measuring the 4D spatiotemporal field of a femtosecond pulse-beam will drastically change the landscape of many areas of science. Snap-shots of the full electric field along the propagation length of a filament will provide critical understanding of self-guided spatiotemporal dynamics. An ultrashort probe-pulse diffracted from the plasma created by a strong pump-pulse carries information about shock-wave generation, plasma dynamics and a better understanding of the guiding or anti-guiding properties of filaments. Importantly, this novel technique is inherently a hyperspectral method due to the broadband nature of the illumination.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810089
Entities
People
- Daniel Lawrence Adams
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Regents of the University of Colorado
- United States Air Force