Evolution of a solitary wave: optical soliton, soliton molecule and soliton crystal

• Published in: Discover applied sciences Vol. 6; no. 9; p. 464
• Main Authors: Singh, Prashant, Senthilnathan, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 29.08.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Anisotropy; Applied and Technical Physics; Atoms & subatomic particles; Big Bang theory; Chemistry/Food Science; Communications systems; Complex systems; Complexity; Crystals; Earth Sciences; Engineering; Environment; Fiber optics; Fibers; Fusion; Kerr effects; Materials Science; Molecular modelling; Nonlinear systems; Nonlinearity; Optical fibers; Propagation; Quarks; Review; Signal processing; Solitary waves; Universe; Nonlinearity; Soliton molecules; Soliton complexes and crystals; Dissipative soliton; Optical solitons; Big bang
• DOI: 10.1007/s42452-024-06152-1
• ISSN: 3004-9261; 2523-3963

This review embarks on a captivating odyssey of tracing the birth of light from the Big Bang to its intricate interplay with materials. It delves into the fundamental truth that nonlinearity is ubiquitous, and induces fascinating spatiotemporal structures, chaos, and complexity in the medium. After a brief exploration of waves and the effect of nonlinearity in diverse domains, the review article focuses on the field of photonics. This comprehensive review dives into the captivating physics of solitons. This study explores the formation of solitons in optical fibers due to specific nonlinear effects within the material, such as the Kerr effect, the fundamental behaviour of solitons in integrable models, diverse interactions, and the formation of intricate soliton molecules, soliton complexes, and soliton crystals within the dissipative optical systems. We analyse key research on optical solitons and highlight the control of optical solitons for advancements in communication systems, signal processing, optical computing, quantum technologies, etc. Through a meticulous research survey, we find that there is a limited understanding of weak soliton interactions. Further, more theoretical models to be investigated for exploring anisotropy of material and optomechanical interplay. Bridging these gaps will definitely propel future soliton research. Article Highlights Dance of Light and Matter: This review explores how light and matter interact, from their origins in the Big Bang to how they form special light waves called solitons in fibers. Solitons: Beyond Light Waves: We delve into solitons, self-reinforcing light waves, and their unique behaviors in different models.  Along with studies on several temporal and spatial solitons it also includes recent studies on soliton molecules, soliton complexes, and soliton crystals with potential applications. Taming Light's Potential: The review highlights key areas for future research to unlock the full potential of solitons. Highlights the need to study the effect of weak interactions in multi-soliton dynamics in complex systems, tells the importance of exploring their behavior in new materials, and integrating them with nanophotonic devices. This work proposes the concept of 'photobot,' intelligent soliton molecules that we believe will be achievable in the near future.