Light dynamics in materials with radially inhomogeneous thermal conductivity

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear optics
• Optical physics
• Condensed matter physics

Background:

• Thermal media exhibit unique optical properties influenced by temperature gradients.
• Nonuniform thermal conductivity can significantly alter light propagation and self-trapping phenomena.
• Understanding soliton dynamics in such complex media is crucial for optical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the behavior of bright and vortex solitons in thermal media with nonuniform thermal conductivity.
• To analyze how local modulations in thermal conductivity affect the refractive index and light distribution.
• To explore the formation and dynamics of asymmetric self-trapped beams and vortex solitons.

Main Methods:

• Numerical simulations of light propagation in thermal media.
• Analysis of the influence of thermal conductivity modulation on refractive index.
• Characterization of soliton properties, including shape, stability, and motion.

Main Results:

• Increased thermal conductivity regions expel light, while reduced regions facilitate self-trapping.
• Formation of asymmetric self-trapped beams exhibiting persistent rotary motion within reduced conductivity rings.
• Observation of stable vortex solitons with noncanonical shapes in ring structures.

Conclusions:

• Nonuniform thermal conductivity in thermal media leads to complex light self-trapping behaviors.
• Asymmetric beams and stable vortex solitons can be generated and controlled by thermal conductivity profiles.
• These findings offer insights into novel optical phenomena and potential applications in optical devices.