title: Vortex lattice solitons supported by localized gain.
abstract: We show that localized gain supports the existence of dissipative vortex solitons in periodic Kerr media with strong two-photon absorption. Vortex solitons exist in both focusing and defocusing media, with their propagation constants emerging from semi-infinite or finite gaps in the lattice spectrum. Coincidence of the discrete rotational symmetries of the gain landscape and refractive index distribution is a necessary condition for exciting vortex solitons, which otherwise transform into stable dissipative multipoles.
authors.affiliation: Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, and Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Mediterranean Technology Park, 08860 Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Yaroslav V
authors.initials: YV
authors.lastname: Kartashov
authors.forename: Vladimir V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Konotop
authors.forename: Victor A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Vysloukh
authors.forename: Lluis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Torner