Abstract

We explore the recently discovered spatial solitons in photorefractive materials,¹ where the shape of a light beam modulates the refractive index via the photorefractive effect, and results in an exact compensation for the effects of diffraction, causing the light beam to be self trapped. We study the spectrum of the possible soliton solutions and their characteristics. We derive the material properties and the magnitude of the externally applied electric field, required for experimental demonstrations. Finally, we discuss the unique properties of these photorefractive solitons, such as their independence of the absolute light intensity and their ability to afford gain (or loss).

© 1992 Optical Society of America