A systematic experimental study is conducted in order to measure the density and configuration of the plasma by holographic interferometry, and the ion temperature and level of turbulence by cooperative laser scattering. The two measurements are done in various phases of the plasma, before, during, and after the filament breakup. Suprathermal scattering during the filament phase and the successive development of an ionizing wave are evidenced for the first time. The anisotropy of the neutron emission is found to exist in all regimes by the simultaneous measurement of the energy spectra in two directions. A possible explanation of the neutron emission is given. It is concluded that nonthermal processes play an essential role in the plasma focus.