Figure 5. Estimated variation of plasma wavelength λ_p (dashed curve) and self focussed diameter d_SF (solid curve) with plasma electron density.

For a given pulse intensity and plasma density the laser focal spot diameter d_μ (dashed line) and longitudinal pulse length cτ (solid line) sets the conditions of transverse wave breaking and bow wave generation. The inset shows that change in pulse depletion length l_dep with respect to initial value as a function of electron density.