Abstract

The nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLSE) has been studied extensively as a universal model for self-focusing (modulation) instabilities and turbulence. In one transverse dimension, and for a Kerr-type nonlinearity, it is well known that the NLSE has exact periodic solutions that show exact recurrent behavior of the field profile. In this talk we will discuss the corresponding problem for a saturable nonlinearity, including both one and two transverse dimensions. The saturation destroys the exact recurrences and leads to pseudorecurrences in which the field profile never quite repeats itself. We shall present numerical calculations of this behavior and discuss the way in which the pseudorecurrence is destroyed, leading to apparent turbulence.

© 1990 Optical Society of America