Propagation of narrow laser beams in a resonantly absorbing medium

The propagation of a narrow laser beam in a resonantly absorbing medium is analysed. Qualitatively different patterns of the dynamics of a radiation pulse travelling in a medium (depending on conditions of the problem) were obtained by a real three-dimensional nonstationary numerical simulation. The diffraction spreading of a pulse, its compression due to self-focusing, and chaotic beam splitting caused by the development of instability were observed. The simulation results are compared with the experimental data published in the literature. A qualitative agreement is obtained with the observations and conclusions made earlier.