An exact solution to paraxial propagation of laser beams in longitudinal inhomogeneous plasmas

An exact, general solution for laser beams propagating in longitudinally inhomogeneous plasmas is obtained in the form of the diffraction integral. The Gaussian beam and the Hermite--Gaussian beam are taken for example. In the case of an increasing plasma density along the propagation distance, natural diffraction of the Gaussian beam is retarded. This retardance has a less effect on the central part of the Hermite--Gaussian beam while a considerable rise of the power in bucket (PIB) occurs in the surrounding part of the beam.