Frequency conversion, "superluminal" propagation, and compression of a powerful microwave pulse in propagating ionization front.

Cao, Y; Bliokh, Y P; Maksimov, V; Leopold, J G; Krasik, Ya E · Phys Rev E · 2023

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Frequency up-conversion (∼10%) and compression (almost twofold) of a powerful (≤250 MW) microwave pulse in the propagating ionization front produced by the pulse itself in a gas-filled waveguide, is investigated experimentally and analyzed theoretically. Pulse envelope reshaping and group velocity increase manifest themselves in a propagation of the pulse faster than in the empty waveguide. A simple one-dimensional mathematical model allows the adequate interpretation of the experimental results.