Generation of second-harmonic radiations of a self-focusing laser from a plasma with density-transition

A Gaussian laser-beam resonantly generates a second-harmonic wave in a plasma in the presence of a wiggler magnetic-field of suitable period. The self-focusing of the fundamental pulse enhances the intensity of the second-harmonic pulse. An introduction of an upward plasma-density ramp strongly enhances the self-focusing of the fundamental laser pulse. The laser pulse attains a minimum spot size and propagates up to several Rayleigh lengths without divergence. Due to the strong self-focusing of the fundamental laser pulse, the second-harmonic intensity enhances significantly. A considerable enhancement of the intensity of the second-harmonic is observed from the proposed mechanism.

► An upward plasma-density ramp is very important for laser propagation in plasmas. ► As the plasma density increases, effect of self-focusing becomes stronger. ► We utilize this self-focused laser to generate second-harmonic radiations. ► The self-focusing laser enhances the intensity of the second-harmonic pulse.