We performed a comprehensive study of filamentation in xenon. Due to its high nonlinear refraction index, but relatively low ionization potential, xenon can support filamentation at peak powers lower than in air. In our experiments, we studied pulse shortening, spatial mode cleaning, and generation of terahertz radiation. We observed that in xenon, self-compression is easily obtainable and terahertz radiation generation efficiency is significantly stronger as compared to air.

• Received 2 August 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.76.063819