Wavelength-scaled laser filamentation in solids and plasma-assisted subcycle light-bullet generation in the long-wavelength infrared

摘要

We theoretically investigate mid- and long-wavelength infrared laser filamentation in solids, revealing extreme self-steepening and optical shock, multi-octave spanning supercontinuum generation, and, most importantly, subcycle light-bullet generation. Light-bullet generation in solids at longwavelengths depends critically on plasma, which is in sharp contrast to that in airwhere the arrest of collapse for light-bullet generation is dominated by radiation loss. Ourmethod for subcycle light-bullet generation in solids at longwavelengths may open newpossibilities for extreme ultrafast nonlinear optics including high-order-harmonic and attosecond-pulse generation.