The propagation features of laser radiation are discussed for the case of axiconic focusing. Issues explored include the nature of gas breakdown in the field of a Bessel laser beam, the gas-dynamic expansion of the breakdown plasma, and how optical discharges and plasma channels are structured.

PACS: 51.50.+v, 52.80.−s, 52.90.+z (all) DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.0180.201002c.0165 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2010/2/c/ 000279117000003 2-s2.0-77954792567 2010PhyU...53..159P Citation: Pyatnitskii L N "Optical discharge in the field of a Bessel laser beam" Phys. Usp. 53 159–177 (2010) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Пятницкий Л Н «Оптический разряд в поле лазерного бесселева пучка» УФН 180 165–184 (2010); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0180.201002c.0165