Spin-optical solitons in liquid crystals
Gaetano Assanto, Noel F. Smyth
Abstract
A theoretical and numerical investigation shows the formation of spin-orbit optical solitons in nematic liquid crystals as a consequence of a nonlinear modulation of the optic axis and the resulting geometric phase in the birefringent medium. The unusual self-trapping mechanism may allow for new all-optical waveguiding and switching schemes.
Topics & Concepts
BirefringenceLiquid crystalCondensed matter physicsSpin (aerodynamics)Phase (matter)Nonlinear opticalPhysicsOpticsNonlinear systemNonlinear opticsModulation (music)Materials scienceLaserQuantum mechanicsAcousticsThermodynamicsNonlinear Photonic SystemsAdvanced Fiber Laser TechnologiesNonlinear Waves and Solitons