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Published on: November 30, 2012
Interaction of counterpropagating discrete solitons in a nonlinear one-dimensional waveguide array.
Eugene Smirnov1, Milutin Stepić, Christian E Rüter
1Institute of Physics and Physical Technologies, Clausthal University of Technology, 38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany.
Optics Letters
|March 30, 2007
Summary
Investigating counterpropagating discrete solitons in lithium niobate revealed distinct behaviors. Higher input powers caused instability and lateral shifting, unlike stable propagation at lower powers.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear optics
- Photonic materials
Background:
- Waveguide arrays enable the study of light propagation in discrete optical systems.
- Photorefractive materials like lithium niobate are crucial for nonlinear optical experiments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the interaction of counterpropagating discrete solitons.
- To identify different propagation regimes based on input power.
Main Methods:
- Experimental setup using a one-dimensional waveguide array in lithium niobate.
- Varying input powers to observe soliton interactions.
- Numerical modeling to analyze propagation dynamics.
Main Results:
- Low input powers: weak interaction and formation of stable vector solitons.
- Intermediate input powers: instability leading to discrete lateral shifting of solitons.
- High input powers: irregular temporal dynamics observed.
Conclusions:
- Input power critically influences the interaction and stability of counterpropagating discrete solitons.
- Three distinct regimes of soliton propagation were identified: stable, unstable with shifting, and irregular dynamics.
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