title: Colored solitons interactions: particle-like and beyond.
abstract: The interaction of two colored solitons was analyzed in the framework of a particle-like model, derived from a soliton perturbation theory. From "energy" considerations, a soliton capture threshold and the re-coloring of the escaping solitons were derived. The results were compared to the spectral boundaries of a second order soliton as well as to previous reports. The capture of colored solitons was shown to be impractical without additional means. This particle-like model was further generalized to apply also for non-equal intensity colored solitons. Detailed calculations-beyond the particle-like approximation, exhibited additional mechanisms, namely dissipation and friction-like forces, which served as sources for the relaxation of the solitons oscillations within the captured state, thus enhancing the capture phenomenon.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Feigenbaum
authors.forename: Meir
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Orenstein