Propagation of a cos-Gaussian beam in a Kerr medium

The dynamic properties of cos-Gaussian beams in the presence of Kerr nonlinearity are investigated analytically and numerically using the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLS). Based on the moments method, evolution of a cos-Gaussian beam width in the root-mean-square (RMS) sense is obtained analytically. The beam propagation factors and the critical powers of the cos-Gaussian beams with a uniform wavefront are calculated. Using numerical simulation, it is found that although the RMS beam width broadens, the central parts of the beam give rise to an initial radial compression and a significant redistribution during propagation. The partial collapse of central parts of the beam is observed below the threshold for a global collapse. The cos-Gaussian beams eventually convert into cosh-Gaussian type beams in Kerr media with low initial power.