Long distance laser filamentation using Yb:YAG kHz laser

Area of Science:

• Plasma physics
• Laser physics
• Atmospheric physics

Background:

• Lightning poses significant risks to infrastructure and safety.
• Guiding lightning discharges could mitigate damage and improve safety.
• Laser-induced filaments offer a potential mechanism for discharge guidance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the spatial evolution of laser-induced filaments over a 140m distance.
• To assess the feasibility of using these filaments for lightning discharge guidance within the Laser Lightning Rod project.
• To analyze the impact of different laser wavelengths (fundamental, second, and third harmonics) and beam configurations on filamentation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a laser system generating picosecond pulses (1 ps) at a 1 kHz repetition rate.
• Studied filamentation over a 140m propagation distance.
• Employed both collimated and loosely focused laser beams.
• Investigated the fundamental laser beam (1030 nm) and its combinations with second and third harmonics.

Main Results:

• Observed the spatial evolution of multiple filamentation regimes.
• Characterized filament behavior under different laser conditions and beam geometries.
• Provided data on filament stability and propagation over extended distances.

Conclusions:

• Laser-induced filaments demonstrate potential for guiding lightning discharges over considerable distances.
• The study provides crucial insights into filament dynamics relevant to the Laser Lightning Rod project.
• Further research can optimize laser parameters for effective lightning control.