Non-linear Synthesis of Complex Laser Waveforms at Remote Distances

Strong deformation of ultrashort laser pulse shapes is unavoidable when delivering high intensities at remote distances due to non-linear effects taking place while propagating. Relying on the reversibility of laser filamentation, we propose to explicitly design laser pulse shapes so that propagation serves as a non-linear field synthesizer at a remote target location. Such an approach allows, for instance, coherent control of molecules at a remote distance, in the context of standoff detection of pathogens or explosives.