Open AccessPyroliton: pyroelectric spatial soliton
Author(s) -
Jassem Safioui,
F. Devaux,
Mathieu Chauvet
Publication year - 2009
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.17.022209
Subject(s) - pyroelectricity , photorefractive effect , lithium niobate , optics , materials science , ferroelectricity , soliton , nonlinear optics , trapping , refractive index , beam (structure) , optoelectronics , nonlinear system , physics , laser , dielectric , quantum mechanics , biology , ecology
The concept of optical beam self-trapping in pyroelectric photorefractive medium is presented. We show that the temperature controlled spontaneous polarisation of ferroelectric crystals produces an optical nonlinearity that can lead to formation of 2-D spatial soliton named pyroliton. Experimental demonstrations performed in lithium niobate crystals illustrate that efficient self-trapping occurs either for ordinary or extraordinary polarisation under moderate temperature increase. For instance, a 15 microm diameter pyroliton can be formed with a 10 degree temperature raise.