Open AccessPeakon profiles and collapse-bounce cycles in self-focusing spatial beams
Author(s) -
Can Sun,
Christopher Barsi,
Jason W. Fleischer
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.16.020676
Subject(s) - quantum nonlocality , self focusing , physics , optics , diffraction , instability , nonlinear system , filamentation , self phase modulation , beam (structure) , cusp (singularity) , nonlinear optics , mechanics , laser beams , quantum , quantum mechanics , laser , geometry , mathematics , quantum entanglement
We study the over-focusing of spatial light beams due to self-focusing nonlinearity, in both local and nonlocal nonlinear media. Numerical simulation of both cases reveals a peaked profile, with a near-cusp at the center surrounded by exponentially-decaying tails, at a critical self-focusing power. The profile is a local effect, occurring as diffraction counteracts nonlinearity. Nonlocality, however, is needed to prevent modulation instability of the initial beam and to prevent catastrophic collapse in 2D. The peaked profile remains for weak nonlocality but disappears for wide nonlocal responses. Beyond the critical power for a peaked solution, or for longer propagation distances, competition between nonlinearity and diffraction causes oscillatory collapse-bounce behavior. The numerical results are confirmed by observing these dynamics in a self-focusing glass with a nonlocal, thermal response.