Revisiting the Critical Physics for Passing Energetic Laser Pulses through Air

Executive Summary

We will validate and revise existing models with measurements for stimulated rotational Raman scattering generation of nanosecond-pulsed laser beams during propagation in air, with a focus on the beam breakup and dispersal. Better understanding of the transmission of energetic laser pulses through the air could benefit future directed energy applications, as well as future laser designs for high-energy-density science applications.