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We perform single-shot frequency domain holography to measure the ultrafast spatio-temporal phase change induced by the optical Kerr effect and plasma in flexible Corning Willow Glass during femtosecond laser-matter interactions. We measure the nonlinear index of refraction ($ {n_2} $n 2 ) to be $(3.6 \pm 0.1) \times {10^{ - 16}}\;{{\rm cm}^2}/{\rm W} $(3.6±0.1)×10 -16 cm 2 /W and visualize the plasma formation and recombination on femtosecond time scales in a single shot. To compare with the experiment, we carry out numerical simulations by solving the nonlinear envelope equation.

We experimentally demonstrate the control and complete elimination of multi-filamentation in condensed matter by varying the focusing geometry. In particular, increasing the input beam power enables the extension of the filament length without generating multi-filaments up to 1400 times the critical power in fused silica at an 800 nm wavelength. Furthermore, the generated single filament exhibits spatial solitary wave behavior.