Dynamics of optimized stable channel formation of intense laser pulses with the relativistic/charge-displacement mechanism

Studies of the dynamics of stable relativistic/ponderomotive channel format ion demonstrate that the use of an appropriate longitudinal gradient in the electron density can significantly enhance the efficiency of the power com pression. A unidirectional stable zone locking rule, which allows the opera ting point of the system to enter the region of stable channelled propagati on, but blocks departures from it, is established. These characteristics ar e extremely favourable for kilovolt x-ray amplification, charged-particle a cceleration and the initiation of nuclear reactions.