Femtosecond laser–matter interaction: from material modification to plasma diagnostics

This presentation addresses the interaction of femtosecond laser pulses with matter. Experimental results regarding the laser modification of glasses and the nonlinear optical properties of NV-doped diamonds are briefly presented. The main focus is placed on imaging the propagation of femtosecond pulses using femtosecond optical polarigraphy and pump-probe diagnostics of laser-induced plasma. The discussion centers on the physical interpretation of the obtained results, as well as the capabilities and limitations of femtosecond laser techniques in studying ultrafast optical processes.