Temporal evolution of femtosecond laser filament detected via magnetic field around plasma current

The temporal evolution of electron density of air plasma filament induced by femtosecond laser pulse has been studied experimentally by a single shot electromagnetic induction method. Based on the detection of transient magnetic field around the electrified filament by an induction coil, the current in filament as well as electron density is estimated from the time dependent electromotive force signal. The experimental results indicate that our method significantly reduced the self-oscillation and interference signal, which are difficult to avoid in previous standard electrical diagnostic of filament, meanwhile the reliable temporal evolution of the electron density of filament is obtained.