Dynamic Y-branched structures in quadratic nonlinear media

Abstract

A selfsplitting of the beams entering a waveguide made of a quadratic nonlinear material is observed numerically. Relative π phase differences between harmonics as positively contributing to linear diffraction are shown to trigger the effect. Formation of solitons out of this energy so that a Y-branched structure is nonlinearly induced, is shown to be dependent on input and material parameters. Simple setups should provide the means for experimental observation of the predicted phenomena.