Nonlinear polarization dynamics of counterpropagating waves in an isotropic optical fiber: Theory and experiments

Year: 2001

Authors: Pitois S., Millot G., Wabnitz S.

Autors Affiliation: Laboratoire de Physique, l\’Université de Bourgogne, Faculté des Sciences Mirande, Avenue A. Savary, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France

Abstract: The nonlinear interaction between two intense counterpropagating laser beams in an isotropic optical fiber may lead to spatiotemporal polarization instabilities of both waves. Experiments with various mutual polarization arrangements and different powers of the two counterpropagating input beams showed that nonlinear birefringence may lead to significant polarization cross switching of both beams. In the case of two counter-rotating circular input waves, the cross-polarization interaction of the beams led to the generation of a polarization kink or domain wall soliton. This soliton is formed by a superposition of counterpropagating waves that represent switching of the state of polarization of light between two domains where both waves are circularly polarized and corotating. The experimental observations are found to be in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.

Journal/Review: JOURNAL OF THE OPTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA B-OPTICAL PHYSICS

Volume: 18 (4)      Pages from: 432  to: 443

KeyWords: Birefringence; Laser beams; Light polarization; Light propagation; Optical fibers; Optical switches; Solitons, Cross-polarization interactions, Nonlinear optics
DOI: 10.1364/JOSAB.18.000432

Citations: 55
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