Simulation of Plasma Production with Laser Propagation

Abstract

Recent advances of lasers suggest a possibility of laser-triggered lightning. It is necessary to make a long plasma channel for laser-triggered lightning and many experimental studies have been carried out. However, no analytical work on it has been made yet.
In this paper, plasma production with laser propagation is calculated numerically and the results are compared with experimental results. The effects of various parameters such as laser energy and focal length on plasma production are clarified. The effects of aerosols on plasma production are also discussed.