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Rotating and Fugitive Cavity Solitons in semiconductor microresonators
Optics Express
|May 28, 2009
Summary
We present two methods for controlling cavity soliton motion, enabling all-optical clocking and synchronization. These techniques leverage phase gradients and thermal dynamics for predictable soliton movement, paving the way for advanced optical systems.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear Optics
- Photonics
- Optical Communications
Background:
- Cavity solitons are localized light structures within optical cavities.
- Controlling their motion is crucial for applications like all-optical signal processing.
- Existing methods for soliton control are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore novel methods for controlling cavity soliton motion.
- To demonstrate periodic motion of cavity solitons for clocking and synchronization.
- To investigate the influence of thermal dynamics and phase modulations on soliton behavior.
Main Methods:
- Exploiting soliton drift in phase gradients using a doughnut-shaped holding beam.
- Utilizing thermally induced spontaneous motion of solitons.
- Applying phase and amplitude modulations to the holding beam.
- Introducing a 2D phase modulation to induce random walk behavior.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated rotational motion of cavity solitons along a doughnut beam annulus.
- Showcased control over thermally induced soliton motion via beam modulations.
- Observed a 'Fugitive Soliton' exhibiting a random walk, escaping its self-generated thermal minimum.
Conclusions:
- Two distinct methods enable controlled periodic motion of cavity solitons.
- These findings offer pathways for soliton-based all-optical clocking and synchronization.
- The 'Fugitive Soliton' phenomenon presents new possibilities for soliton dynamics research.
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