Abstract

A linearly polarized continuous wave (cw) propagating in third-order non-linear media is unstable to modulation at frequencies below a critical value Menyuk⁽⁶⁾ has also found modulation instability occurs for other polarizations- In this paper, propagation in third-order non-linear, birefringent media is investigated. The equations of motion are conservative, and a hamiltonian is derived. Only certain polarizations for soliton propagation are allowed. Physical significance is given to the familiar critical modulation frequency, and the relation between the conditions for modulation instability and for soliton formation is described. These two effects originate from different regions of phase space.

© 1988 Optical Society of America