Interaction between orthogonal components of single, dual and bound state vector solitons from a fiber laser

Abstract

We report the interaction between orthogonal components of three types of vector solitons which are generated in a passively mode-locked fiber laser. By adjusting pump power and cavity birefringence, single, dual and bound state vector solitons can be selectively acquired, while all the types of vector solitons reveal energy exchange phenomenon on spectral sidebands. Moreover, the numerical simulation fully reproduces the experimental results, which confirms that the soliton separation is the key parameter that determines the formation of energy exchange sidebands. These results would provide inspirations for the evolution of interaction between solitons and greatly enhance the understanding of soliton dynamics.