Abstract
In this paper, we employ a 2D+1 propagation model to study the influence of the retarded Kerr effect on an intense femtosecond laser pulse propagating in the atmosphere at different pressures. Numerical simulations show that an increase in pressure weakens the ability of the delayed Kerr effect to reduce the maximum value of the on-axis laser intensity and enhances the ability of the delayed Kerr effect to increase the self-focusing distance.