title: Direct observation of pulse dynamics and self-compression along a femtosecond filament.
abstract: We report on the direct experimental observation of pulse-splitting dynamics along a femtosecond filament. The fundamental pulse experiences a significant self-shortening during the propagation leading to pulse durations of 5.3 fs, corresponding to sub-3 cycles, which is measured without external pulse compression. A compression factor of eight could be achieved in a single filamentary stage. Theoretical modeling of the fundamental pulse propagation confirms our observed pulse structures and durations and gives further insight into the nonlinear dynamics during filamentation.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kretschmar
authors.forename: Carsten
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Brée
authors.forename: Tamas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nagy
authors.forename: Ayhan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Demircan
authors.forename: Heiko G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Kurz
authors.forename: Uwe
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Morgner
authors.forename: Milutin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kovačev
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D044962:Data Compression; D004867:Equipment Design; D007834:Lasers; D008027:Light; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics