Abstract

Studies of nonlinear optical patterns take into account transverse variations of the optical fields but are usually confined to the semiclassical description. Unlike other disciplines (such as hydrodynamics and chemical reactions) where a classical description of pattern formation is sufficient, optical systems may show noteworthy quantum aspects at room temperature. Optical systems lend themselves naturally to a quantum-mechanical treatment and to the prediction of quantum effects as for example, squeezing.

© 1998 IEEE