Self-modulation and nonlinear diffraction of strong light fields in dispersive media

The problem of space-time self-modulation of strong laser fields is solved by the method of successive approximations. The nonlinear diffractional and nonlinear dispersive transformations of beam width and pulse duration are studied with emphasis on the reciprocal effects of nonlinear diffraction and dispersion. The effect of incomplete initial time and space coherence on the space-time parameters of a laser field and the conversion of its coherent properties is examined.