Space-time chaos in optical media: Dry-hydrodynamics

Year: 1991

Authors: Arecchi F.T.

Autors Affiliation: Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Largo E. Fermi 6, 50125 Firenze, Italy; Department of Physics, University of Firenze, 50125 Firenze, Italy

Abstract: Three recent experiments in quantum optics, namely, i) a waveguide laser supporting many transverse modes, ii) an optical cavity with a photorefractive gain medium and a variable aperture, and iii) a laser with a delayed feedback, have displayed controllable routes to space complexity. This fills the gap between the single mode dynamics and the many domain turbulent-like behavior, which so far was unreachable for a radiation field. Due to the high accuracy of optical measurements, we foresee a precise way to test many conjectures formulated for fluids or other nonlinear field problems. Thus we have called this new research area “dry hydrodynamics”.

Journal/Review: INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS CONFERENCE SERIES

Volume: 115      Pages from: 257  to: 267

KeyWords: LASER; TRANSITION; TURBULENCE; CAVITY; BEAM

Connecting to view paper tab on IsiWeb: Click here