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We suggest a method for measuring the polarization orientation of high-intensity beams, by analyzing the damage structures on metal targets, created by laser-plasma-metal interaction. We apply our method on laser filaments and demonstrate stability and instability of the polarization orientation dynamics. Our experimental results show that the polarization orientation of linearly polarized input beams during filamentation is stable, whereas that of elliptically polarized input beams is not. The results are supported by an analytical model. V C 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.

We present single shot, high resolution, time-resolved measurements of the relaxation of laser induced plasma filaments in air and in N2 gas. Based on the measurements of the time dependent electromagnetic signal in a waveguide, an accurate and simple derivation of the electron density in the filament is demonstrated. This experimental method does not require prior knowledge of filament dimensions or control over its exact spatial location. The experimental results are compared to numerical simulations of air plasma chemistry. Results reveal the role of various decay mechanisms including the importance of O4+ molecular levels.

We present a simple non-intrusive experimental method allowing a complete single shot temporal measurement of laser produced plasma filament conductivity. The method is based on filament interaction with low intensity microwave radiation in a rectangular waveguide. The suggested diagnostics allow a complete single shot temporal analysis of filament plasma decay with resolution better than 0.3 ns and high spatial resolution along the filament. The experimental results are compared to numerical simulations, and an initial electron density of 7 × 1016 cm−3 and decay time of 3 ns are obtained.

A comprehensive approach for control of filamentation and generation of a high density conductive channel during femtosecond intense laser pulse propagation in air is being reviewed. Imposing astigmatism on the beam with a tilted lens allows obtaining a single stable filament out of a high power pulse (orders of magnitude higher than the critical power), which would otherwise generate random multiple filamentation pattern. The collapse distance of filaments is controlled with a double lens setup. Once the filament is stabilized, a substantially extended lifetime of the high density plasma channel generated in its wake is experimentally demonstrated using combination of femtosecond and nanosecond laser pulses. Free electron density above 1015 cm−3 in the formed plasma filament is measured to sustain for over 30 ns. This high density plasma lifetime prolongation of more than one order of magnitude is achieved by properly timed irradiation of the filament with a relatively low intensity nanosecond laser pulse, in comparison to a filament without such irradiation. The experimental results are in good agreement with our theoretical model that follows the evolution of the temperature and density of various molecules, atoms and ion species. The results point to the possibility of generating substantially long time duration, stable high density plasma filaments in air.