Solitons ― Nonlinear Pulses and Beams

Researchers engaged in the subject summarize the applications of non-linear light pulses in optical fibers, and spatial solitons in switching devices for engineers in optoelectronics and telecommunications and researchers and graduate students in those fields. The form of light propagation can be used to achieve very high capacity dispersion-free communications, and soliton-like beams in non-linear materials such as organic polymers are being investigated for fast-switching in devices where the light creates its own guiding channel. After an introduction to the basic equations, the discussion includes non-Kerr-law nonlinearities, multiple-port linear devices made from solitons, birefringent media, pulses in nonlinear couplers, beam dynamics and planar nonlinear guided waves. The treatment is also suitable for self-study or classroom teaching at the graduate level or above. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.