“Wandering” soliton in a nonlinear photonic crystal

Abstract

On the basis of computer simulation, we demonstrate the possibility of a new type of “wandering” solitons implementation in nonlinear periodic layered structures. “Wandering” soliton moves across the layers, repeatedly changing its direction of motion due to the reflection from the photonic crystal (PC) boundaries with the ambient medium. The initial soliton is located inside a PC and occupies several of its layers. Its profile can be found as the solution of the corresponding nonlinear eigenvalue problem. “Wandering” solitons are formed as a result of a large perturbation of the wave vector, which leads to the soliton motion across photonic crystal layers. In the process of reflection from the boundary with the ambient medium, the soliton partly penetrates into the ambient medium at a depth equal to the width of several PC layers. A slow return of light energy, which previously left the PC, can take place at this moment.