Formation of electromagnetic shock waves on optical cycle during propagation of femtosecond laser pulses in transparent solids

There is considered formation of shock electromagnetic waves (SHEW) of visible spectral range as possible nonlinear optical phenomenon taking place at laser intensity close to damage threshold induced by femtosecond laser pulses in transparent solids. Main regularities of SHEW formation are studied on the basis of 1D model of plane-wave propagation in isotropic dielectric with nonlinear optical response and dispersion. Special attention is paid to influence of color dispersion on SEW formation and propagation. Necessary conditions for appearing of SHEW are obtained, in particular, threshold amplitude is estimated. There is presented a model for numerical study of SHEW formation and propagation influenced by dispersion of linear and nonlinear parts of effective refractive index. Using the simulation, we studied dynamics of SHEW formation on several optical cycles near leading edge of femtosecond laser pulse propagating in transparent medium. Important observed features of SHEW are discussed.