Femtosecond filamentation in transparent media

This paper introduces and discusses the main aspects of ultrashort laser pulse filamentation in various transparent media such as air (gases), transparent solids and liquids. The properties of femtosecond filaments and their applications are presented. Theoretical models developed to explain filaments and the main predictions inferred from these models are reviewed. The various techniques to observe filaments and to measure their characteristics are described. The main measurements of filament features performed so far are reviewed. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.