Excitable optical waves in semiconductor microcavities.
We demonstrate experimentally and theoretically the existence of excitable optical waves in semiconductor microcavities. Although similar to those observed in biological and chemical systems, these excitable optical waves are self-confined. This is due to a new dynamical scenario, where a stationary Turning pattern controls the propagation of waves in an excitable medium, thus bringing together the two paradigms of dynamical behavior (waves and patterns) in active media.
Marino
Francesco
F
Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, CSIC-UIB, E-07071 Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
Balle
Salvador
S
D008962:Models, Theoretical; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D012666:Semiconductors; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology