Ray-tracing simulation of ionization-free filamentation

A new ray-tracing scheme is proposed to simulate the non-linear propagation of ultra-short pulses. The results are in good agreement with experimental data and numerical solving of the non-linear Schrödinger equation in both the self-focusing and the filamentation regions. In particular, they indicate a major contribution of the photon bath in the self-guided propagation of ultra-short pulses. The model suggests that a pure-Kerr self-guiding mode can allow filamentation without ionization. PACS 42.65.Jx; 42.15.Dp