Self-interaction of an optical beam under kinetic cooling conditions

A numerical investigation is made of the influence of resonant absorption of radiation by CO₂ during propagation of an optical beam under conditions of transverse motion of the gaseous medium. Dependences of the peak intensity and of the displacement of the energy center of the beam on the distance show that resonant absorption by CO₂ can cause appreciable focusing of radiation. Calculations of the propagation of radiation over a fixed distance in the atmosphere at an altitude of 3 km can be used to optimize the width of a collimated beam of constant power.