Femtosecond white-light filaments: A new tool in atmospheric research

The extraordinary physical properties of femtosecond white-light filaments open fascinating perspectives for the investigation of the atmosphere. In this presentation, the following aspects are also discussed: conventional air monitoring methods and their limits; principle of femtosecond LIDAR; formation and propagation of plasma channels in air; absorption measurements on atmospheric trace gases; electrical properties; and aerosol measurements.