Localized Structures in Dissipative Nonlinear Systems - Abstract

Denz, Cornelia

Controlling complexity in periodically structured dissipative photonic systems

Wave propagation in nonlinear optical structures is associated with many exciting possibilities to control, mold and route light for future applications in all-optical information processing. In contrast to light propagation in prefabricated permanent structures as photonic crystals, an increased flexibility can be achieved when light itself induces its own photonic structure through the nonlinear response of the material. Among the many fascinating effects in systems with dissipation, light localization by refractive index changes induced by photorefractive or orientational nonlinear effects are especially attractive. We demonstrate several examples of how to control, steer and manipulate spatial solitons in different nonlinear optical systems exploiting various techniques of phase-sensitive wavefront engineering.