Complex solitary wave dynamics, pattern formation and chaos in the gain–loss nonlinear Schrödinger equation

Abstract

A numerical exploration of a gain–loss nonlinear Schrödinger equation was carried out utilizing over 180 000 core hours to conduct more than 10 000 unique simulations in an effort to characterize the model's six dimensional parameter space. The study treated the problem in full generality, spanning a minimum of eight orders of magnitude for each of three linear and nonlinear gain terms and five orders of magnitude for higher order nonlinearities. The gain–loss nonlinear Schrödinger equation is of interest as a model for spin wave envelopes in magnetic thin film active feedback rings and analogous driven damped nonlinear physical systems. Bright soliton trains were spontaneously driven out of equilibrium and behaviors stable for tens of thousands of round trip times were numerically identified. Nine distinct complex dynamical behaviors with lifetimes on the order of ms were isolated as part of six identified solution classes. Numerically located dynamical behaviors include: (i) low dimensional chaotic modulations of bright soliton trains; (ii) spatially symmetric/asymmetric interactions of solitary wave peaks; (iii) dynamical pattern formation and recurrence; (iv) steady state solutions; and (v) intermittency. Simulations exhibiting chaotically modulating bright soliton trains were found to qualitatively match previous experimental observations. Ten new dynamical behaviors, eight demonstrating long lifetimes, are predicted to be observable in future experiments.