Nonlinear parity-time-symmetric transition in finite-size optical couplers

Parity-time-symmetric ($\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric) optical waveguide couplers offer a great potential for future applications in integrated optics. Studies of nonlinear $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric couplers present new possibilities for ultracompact configurable all-optical signal processing. Here, we predict nonlinearly triggered transition from a full to a broken $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric regime in finite-size systems described by smooth permittivity profiles and, in particular, in a conventional discrete waveguide directional coupler configuration with a rectangular permittivity profile. These results suggest a practical route for experimental realization of such systems

Asymmetric partially coherent solitons in saturable nonlinear media

We investigate theoretically properties of partially coherent solitons in optical nonlinear media with slow saturable nonlinearity. We have found numerically that such a medium can support spatial solitons which are asymmetric in shape and are composed of only a finite number of modes associated with the self-induced waveguide. It is shown that these asymmetric spatial solitons can propagate many diffraction lengths without changes, but that collisions change their shape and may split them apart. [S1063-651X(99)12808-3