title: Simulation of the temporal behavior of soliton propagation in photorefractive media.
abstract: We consider the propagation of light beams in photorefractive media in the framework of a (1+1)-dimensional model. The Kukhtarev band transport model is introduced both in a time-dependent differential equation describing the evolution of the space charge field and in a nonlinear wave propagation equation. This latter is then numerically solved with a beam propagation method routine. The evolution in time and space of an initially diffracting laser beam is simulated as a function of initial profiles and waists. The beam is shown to go through a transient overfocused state prior to relaxing to a steady state soliton. Additional features such as the stability condition of the system or effects such as optical branching and soliton interactions are studied.
authors.affiliation: Supélec, 2 rue Edward Belin, 57078 Metz Cedex 3, France.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Maufoy
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fressengeas
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wolfersberger
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kugel