Simple physics of quadratic spatial solitons


G. Assanto and G.I. Stegeman

Opt. Express 10, 388-396 (2002)

Abstract:

Spatial solitons in quadratically nonlinear media result from the interplay of parametric gain, diffraction and cascading phase shift. Their main features are well understood in mathematical terms, and several experiments have been successfully carried out which demonstrate their observability and most important properties. Here we provide an intuitive interpretation of some of the underlying physics, outlining the processes that govern their excitation, propagation and interaction forces.