Propagation of chirped laser pulses in a plasma channel

Propagation of an initially chirped, Gaussian laser pulse in a preformed parabolic plasma channel is analyzed. A variational technique is used to obtain equations describing the evolution of the phase shift and laser spot size. The effect of initial chirp on the laser pulse length and intensity of a matched laser beam propagating in a plasma channel has been analyzed. The effective pulse length and chirp parameter of the laser pulse due to its interaction with plasma have been obtained and graphically depicted. The resultant variation in laser frequency across the laser pulse is discussed.