Abstract

Numerical simulations of three-dimensional [i.e., (2 + 1)-DJ spatial dark solitons (SDS) in self-defocusing nonlinear media based on the nonlinear Schrödinger equation agree remarkably well with experimental observations.^1,2 The generation of SDSs can be accomplished with a single wire or glass slide. They may find applications in systems such as optical limiters, optical interconnects, and optical encoders. To implement these devices, we need to investigate the dynamics of SDSs and demonstrate their robustness. The case of (2 + 1)-D spatial dark solitons is especially interesting since the interaction of SDSs in two different orientations on the transverse plane can be observed, the preliminary demonstration of their robustness has been observed in our recent experiment with two orthogonal sets of parallel wires as an amplitude mask.¹

© 1992 Optical Society of America