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Updated: May 27, 2026

Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
Published on: June 8, 2018
Spectral pulse transformations and phase transitions in quadratic nonlinear waveguide arrays
Frank Setzpfandt1, Andrey A Sukhorukov, Dragomir N Neshev
1Institute of Applied Physics, Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich-Schiller-Universitat Jena, Max-Wien-Platz 1, 07743 Jena, Germany. f.setzpfandt@uni-jena.de
Researchers explored a topological phase transition in discrete quadratic solitons. Despite lacking stationary states experimentally, the second harmonic (SH) phase transition dynamics were preserved, showing spatial focusing and new frequency generation.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear Optics
- Topological Photonics
- Soliton Dynamics
Background:
- Discrete quadratic solitons are nonlinear optical wave packets with unique properties.
- Topological phase transitions offer novel ways to control light propagation.
- Second harmonic (SH) generation is a key nonlinear optical process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamics of a topological phase transition in discrete quadratic solitons.
- To experimentally and numerically study the behavior of second harmonic (SH) waves during this transition.
Main Methods:
- Experimental observation of soliton dynamics.
- Numerical simulations using coupled mode equations.
- Analysis of spatial focusing and frequency component generation.
Main Results:
- The topological phase transition of the second harmonic (SH) was preserved, even without excited stationary states.
- Simulations revealed complex dynamics including spatial focusing and the creation of new frequency components.
- Experimental results confirmed these distinct signatures of the dynamic phase transition.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates the robustness of the topological phase transition for discrete quadratic solitons.
- Complex dynamic processes, including spatial focusing and spectral broadening, characterize this transition.
- Experimental validation confirms the theoretical findings on SH wave behavior during the phase transition.
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