[pt] Com o objetivo de se aumentar a confiabilidade de um sistema de micro-ondas tem-se utilizado, em alguns casos, a polarização circular. De modo a se evitar o emprego de vários dispositivos para a obtenção de fontes de polarização circular (os quais concorrem para um aumento do coeficiente de onda estacionária global do sistema) utiliza-se um único componente capaz de efetuar a transformação da polarização circular desejada. Tal componente é conhecido como polarizador. Este trabalho de tese visa apresentar o desenvolvimento e o projeto de um polarizador construído em guia circular, para a faixa de SHF. O efeito da transformação de polarização é conseguido através de diafragmas indutivos e capacitivos dispostos ao longo do guia circular. O coeficiente de onda estacionária máximo encontrado em um modelo construído para a faixa de 6,8 a 7,8 GHz foi de 1,1 e a relação axial de 1,2 dB. Devido a não utilização de dielétricos com perdas na estrutura, pode-se esperar baixos valores de perda por inserção. Nestas medidas incluem-se a transição guia retangular-guia circular. Na Introdução do presente trabalho é apresentada a obtenção de polarização circular em guia circular através de dois modos TE 11, ortogonais, defasados de 90 0. no Capítulo 1 são analisados os fundamentos teóricos em que se apóia o polarizador e no Capítulo 2 é analisada a sistemática de projeto da estrutura. Os Capítulos 3 e 4 descrevem, respectivamente, o projeto de um modelo experimental e os ensaios efetuados. / [en] Circular polarization hás been used in some cases to increase the capability and reliability of microwave systems. The desing employed here avoids introduccing several components to generate circular polarization (as such elements tend to increase the total voltage standing wave ratio of the system) by utilizing a single component capable of making the transformation from the original linear polarization in the retangular guide to the desired circular polarization. This component is known as a polarizer. This paper presents the development and results of a thesis project involving the construction of a polarizer in circular waveguide for the SHF band. The transformation from linear to circular polarization is obtained by using inductive and capacitive diaphrams dispposed longitudinaly in circular guide. The maximum voltage standing wave ratio measured in the model constructed was 1,1 and the maximum axial ratio was 1.2 dB for the band 6,8 to 7.8 GHz. Because lossy dielectric materials were not used in this polarizer low values of insertion loss are expected. The effects of the transition from retangular to circular guide are included in the measurements. In the introduction section of this paper the author describes the method for realizing circular polarization in circular waveguides by the use of two orthogonal TE 11 modes phased 90 0 apart with respect to each other. In Chapter 1 the theoretical fundamentals upon which the polarizer is based are analysed and in Chapter 2 a systematic analysis of the structure is reported, Chapter 3 and 4 describe, respectively, the investigations of the experimental model and the test results achieved.

This thesis focuses on the development of high harmonic generation (HHG) by using polarisation controlled quasi-phase matching QPM as well as related topics. A new class of QPM techniques called polarisation-controlled QPM is introduced where linear or circlar birefringence enables the modulation of the driving field's polarisation state called polarisation-beating QPM (PBQPM) for linear birefringence and optical rotation QPM (ORQPM) for circular birefringence respectively. PBQPM uses a linear birefringence to modulate periodically the driving pulse between linear and circular/elliptical polarisation states. Because elliptical or circular polarisation of the driving pulse suppresses harmonic generation, by appropriately matching the beat length of the driving field's polarisation state to the coherence length of the harmonic generation, QPM can be achieved. In the second technique, ORQPM, propagation of the driving radiation in a system exhibiting circular birefringence causes its plane of polarisation to rotate; by appropriately matching the period of rotation to the coherence length, it is possible to avoid destructive interference of the generated radiation. Not only does ORQPM have similar enhancements as true-phase matching, it is also the first proposed QPM source for circularly polarised high harmonics. The importance of phase modulation in QPM, especially relating to modebeating in hollow-core waveguides where harmonics is being generated are also explored theoretically. Based on this, a novel technique for analyzing random phase matching using a continuous phase-diffusion treatment has been developed; theoretical analytical models are shown to produce excellent agreement with simulations. It is further shown that random phase matching may be responsible for additional broadening of the high harmonic spectrum, especially at higher harmonic orders. Because mode and polarisation control is central to polarisation-controlled QPM, four waveguide mode decomposition techniques from single shot CCD data have been developed. The extraction of phase and coupling coefficients are demonstrated experimentally. A novel analytical general solution for the phase introduced by a phase-only spatial light modulator to generate a given far-field phase and amplitude was developed. The solution was demonstrated experimentally and shown to enable excellent control of the far-field amplitude and phase. Finally, circular and linear birefringent waveguides were explored. Analytic solutions to rectangular birefringent hollow-core waveguides were developed and some initial demonstration experiments were performed.

[EN] Nowadays, there is a significant increment in the use of wireless communications. Due to the growing needs for bandwidth, telecommunications increasingly move to the high frequency bands of the spectrum because of the largest available bandwidth, less interference, reduced component sizes, etc. The potential commercial applications at high frequencies include satellite communications, vehicular radars, image and security systems, personal wireless devices, etc. As a result, an important research activity to understand different aspects of communications systems in the millimeter-wave frequency range is currently being done. As the frequency increases, antennas present a higher directivity, so that, in order to transmit/receive with adequate levels to/from a certain direction a radiating system be capable of produce one or more beams in a wide angular range becomes necessary. The feeding system that performs some of these tasks is based in a Beam Forming Networks (BFNs). BFNs have been traditionally manufactured using different types of transmission lines, e.g. microstrip lines or metallic waveguides; however each of them has advantages and limitations depending upon the used technology. Conversely, there are many technological and mechanical challenges when designing systems at high RF frequencies. Among the most important factors are: cost, small size requirements, need for higher system integration densities, low power consumption, low dissipation, etc. Currently, the planar technology has provided the ideal medium for the design and implementation of many circuits and systems in the microwave and millimeter-wave bands. However, this technology presents some disadvantages when used at high frequencies, so that, the search for other technologies that solve the current manufacturing problems becomes necessary. For the above reasons, in this thesis, multibeam antennas fed by Rotman lens have been designed and manufactured in the microwave and millimeter-wave bands using Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) and, the more recent, gap waveguide technology. A prototype of a multibeam antenna system for tracking the POLITECH.1 pico-satellite has been designed and fabricated. This prototype will be useful as a test model for the design and manufacture of a much larger multibeam antenna system, which could be installed in the ground station located at UPV, as an alternative to current mechanical tracking systems. A prototype of a multibeam antenna using the gap waveguide technology has been designed and manufactured. This antenna proves the validity of this technology for the manufacturing of complex devices in microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies. Finally, a prototype of a Rotman lens in LTCC (Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic) technology, for use in the 60 GHz band has been designed. An important problem of the traditional planar-guiding technologies, such as microstrip or stripline, is the considerable amount of losses they have in the millimeter-wave range. The use of gap waveguide technology in the designed prototype allows the reduction of insertion losses at milimeter-wave frequencies. / [ES] Actualmente existe un significativo interés en el uso de las comunicaciones inalámbricas. Debido a las crecientes necesidades de ancho de banda, las telecomunicaciones se mueven cada vez más a las bandas de altas frecuencias del espectro radioeléctrico por el mayor ancho de banda disponible, menor interferencia, componentes de tamaños reducidos, etc. Las potenciales aplicaciones comerciales en alta frecuencia incluyen comunicaciones satelitales, radares vehiculares, sistemas de imagen y seguridad, dispositivos inalámbricos personales, etc. Como resultado, se está realizando una significativa actividad investigadora para entender diferentes aspectos de los sistemas de comunicaciones en el rango de frecuencias de las ondas milimétricas. A medida que la frecuencia se incrementa, las antenas presentan más directividad, por lo que, para transmitir/recibir con garantía hacia/desde una determinada dirección es necesario que el sistema radiante que sea capaz de producir una más haces que puedan ser apuntados en un amplio margen angular. El sistema de alimentación que realizará alguna de estas tareas estará basado en una red de conformado de haz o BFN (Beam Forming Networks), las cuales tradicionalmente, han sido construidas utilizando diferentes tipos de líneas de transmisión, como por ejemplo líneas microstrip o guías de onda; sin embargo cada una de ellas tiene las ventajas y limitaciones propias de la tecnología empleada. Por otro lado, hay muchos retos tecnológicos y mecánicos para diseñar sistemas de RF en altas frecuencias. Entre los factores más importantes están; coste, requisitos de tamaño reducido, necesidad de mayores densidades de integración del sistema, bajo consumo, baja disipación, etc. Actualmente, las tecnologías planares han suministrado el medio ideal para el diseño e implementación de muchos circuitos y sistemas en la banda de microondas y milimétricas. Sin embargo, esta tecnología presenta algunas desventajas para su uso en altas frecuencias que hacen necesaria la búsqueda de otras tecnologías que permitan solucionar los problemas de fabricación actuales. Por las razones mencionadas, en este trabajo se diseñan y construyen antenas multihaz alimentadas con lente de Rotman para su uso en las bandas de microondas y ondas milimétricas, utilizando nuevas tecnologías de guiado como son: la tecnología de guía de onda integrada en substrato SIW (Substrate Integrated Waveguide) y la más reciente tecnología de guías de onda "gap waveguide". Se ha diseñado y construido un prototipo de antena multihaz para el sistema de seguimiento del pico-satélite POLITECH.1. Esta prototipo de antena servirá como modelo de prueba para el diseño y fabricación de un sistema de antena multihaz mucho mayor, que podría ser instalado en la estación terrena ubicada en la UPV, como una alternativa al sistema mecánico de seguimiento que se tiene actualmente. Se ha diseñado y construido un prototipo de antena multihaz utilizando la tecnología "gap waveguide", que permite demostrar que dicha tecnología es una buena alternativa para la construcción de dispositivos complejos en frecuencias de microondas y ondas milimétricas. Finalmente, se ha diseñado un prototipo de lente de Rotman, en tecnología LTCC (Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic) para su uso en aplicaciones en la banda de 60 GHz. Un problema importante que tienen las tecnologías tradicionales de guiado, como microstrip y stripline es que presentan demasiadas pérdidas en este rango de frecuencias. Por lo tanto, el prototipo utiliza la tecnología gap waveguide que permite disminuir las pérdidas de inserción en frecuencias de ondas milimétricas. / [CAT] Actualment existeix un significatiu interès en l'ús de comunicacions sense fil. Degut a les creixents necessitats d'ample de banda, les telecomunicacions es mouen cada vegada més a les bandes d'altes freqüències de l'espectre radioelèctric pel major ample de banda disponible, menor interferència, components de mida reduïda, etc. Les potencials aplicacions comercials en alta freqüència inclouen comunicacions via satèl·lit, radars vehiculars, sistemes d'imatge i seguretat, dispositius sense fils personals, etc. Com a resultat, s'està realitzant una significativa activitat investigadora para tal d'entendre diferents aspectes dels sistemes de comunicacions en el rang de freqüències d'ones mil·limètriques. A mesura que la freqüència s'incrementa, les antenes presenten més directivitat, raó per la qual, per tal de transmetre/rebre amb garanties cap a/des d'una determinada direcció, és necessari que el sistema radiant continue sent capaç de produir un o més feixos que puguen ser apuntats en un marge angular ample. El sistema d'alimentació que realitzarà alguna d'estes tasques estarà basat en una xarxa de feix conformat o BFN (Beam Forming Networks) les quals, tradicionalment, han sigut construïdes utilitzant diferents tipus de línies de transmissió com, per exemple, línies microstrip o guies d'ona; no obstant això cada una d'elles té els avantatges i limitacions pròpies de la tecnologia empleada. Per altra banda, n'hi ha molts reptes tecnològics i mecànics per tal de dissenyar sistemes de RF a altes freqüències. Entre els factors més importants estan; el cost, els requisits de mida reduïda, la necessitat de majors densitats d'integració del sistema, el baix consum, la baixa dissipació, etc. Actualment, les tecnologies planars han subministrat el medi ideal per el disseny i implementació de molts circuits i sistemes en la banda de microones i mil·limètriques. No obstant, esta tecnologia presenta alguns desavantatges para al seu ús a altes freqüències que fan necessària la recerca d'altres tecnologies que permeten solucionar els problemes de fabricació actuals. Por les raons mencionades, en aquesta tesi es dissenyen i construeixen antenes multifeix alimentades amb lent de Rotman per al seu ús en les bandes de microones i d'ones mil·limètriques, utilitzant noves tecnologies de guiat como són: la tecnologia de guia d'ona integrada en substrat SIW (Substrate Integrated Waveguide) i la més recent tecnologia de guies d'ona gap waveguide. S'ha dissenyat i construït un prototipus d'antena multifeix per al sistema de seguiment del pico-satèl·lit POLITECH.1. Aquest prototipus d'antena servirà com a model de prova per al disseny i fabricació d'un sistema d'antena multifeix molt major, que podria ser instal·lat a l'estació terrena ubicada en la UPV, com alternativa al sistema mecànic de seguiment que es té actualment. Utilitzant la ecnologia gap waveguide, s'ha dissenyat i construït un prototipus d'antena multifeix que permet demostrar que aquesta tecnologia es una bona alternativa per a la construcció de dispositius complexos a freqüències de microones i d'ones mil·limètriques. Finalment, s'ha dissenyat un prototipus de lent de Rotman, en tecnologia LTCC (Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic) per al seu ús en aplicacions en la banda de 60 GHz. Un problema important que tenen les tecnologies tradicionals de guiat, com microstrip i stripline, és que presenten massa pèrdues en aquest rang de freqüències. Per tant, el prototipus utilitza la tecnologia gap waveguide que permet disminuir les pèrdues d'inserció a freqüències d'ones mil·limètriques. / Carrera Suárez, LF. (2015). Antenas multihaz con lente de Rotman para las bandas de microondas y milimétricas realizadas en diferentes tecnologías [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/58779 / TESIS

[pt] A aplicação de um guia circular corrugado como alimentador é analisada a partir do conhecimento das distribuições de campo elétrico e magnético no plano focal de refletores parabólicos. O desenvolvimento matemático dos campos no interior da estrutura conduz a expressões para os diagramas de radiação e demais parâmetros de interesse. Diversas peculiaridades inerentes à propagação em estruturas corrugadas ficam caracterizadas ao longo da análise, alcançando-se a notável situação de simetria dos diagramas e polarização cruzada nula. Inclui-se um projeto para utilização de refletores de pequena e grande distância focal. / [en] The use of a corrugated circular waveguide as a feeder is analysed by considering the distributions of eletric and magnetic fields at the focal plane of parabolic reflectors. The mathematical field development inside the structure leads to expressions of radiation patterns and the necessary parameters. Several peculiarities in connection with the propagation in corrugated structures are characterized through the analysis, obtaining the remarkable situation of patterns simmetry and zero cross- polarization. A feeder design for using small and large focal lenght reflectorsis included.

The realization of wavelength scale and sub-wavelength scale fabrication of integrated optical devices has led to a concurrent need for computational design tools that can accurately model electromagnetic phenomena on these length scales. This dissertation describes the physical, analytical, numerical, and software developments utilized for practical implementation of two particular frequency domain design tools: the modal method for multilayer waveguides and one-dimensional lamellar gratings and the Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis (RCWA) for 1D, 2D, and 3D periodic optical structures and integrated optical devices. These design tools, including some novel numerical and programming extensions developed during the course of this work, were then applied to investigate the design of a few unique integrated waveguide and grating structures and the associated physical phenomena exploited by those structures. The properties and design of a multilayer, multimode waveguide-grating, guided mode resonance (GMR) filter are investigated. The multilayer, multimode GMR filters studied consist of alternating high and low refractive index layers of various thicknesses with a binary grating etched into the top layer. The separation of spectral wavelength resonances supported by a multimode GMR structure with fixed grating parameters is shown to be controllable from coarse to fine through the use of tightly controlled, but realizable, choices for multiple layer thicknesses in a two material waveguide; effectively performing the simultaneous engineering of the wavelength dispersion for multiple waveguide grating modes. This idea of simultaneous dispersion band tailoring is then used to design a multilayer, multimode GMR filter that possesses broadened angular acceptance for multiple wavelengths incident at a single angle of incidence. The effect of a steady-state linear loss or gain on the wavelength response of a GMR filter is studied. A linear loss added to the primary guiding layer of a GMR filter is shown to produce enhanced resonant absorption of light by the GMR structure. Similarly, linear gain added to the guiding layer is shown to produce enhanced resonant reflection and transmission from a GMR structure with decreased spectral line width. A combination of 2D and 3D modeling is utilized to investigate the properties of an embedded waveguide grating structure used in filtering/reflecting an incident guided mode. For the embedded waveguide grating, 2D modeling suggests the possibility of using low index periodic inclusions to create an embedded grating resonant filter, but the results of 3D RCWA modeling suggest that transverse low index periodic inclusions produce a resonant lossy cavity as opposed to a resonant reflecting mirror. A novel concept for an all-dielectric unidirectional dual grating output coupler is proposed and rigorously analyzed. A multilayer, single-mode, high and graded-index, slab waveguide is placed atop a slightly lower index substrate. The properties of the individual gratings etched into the waveguide's cover/air and substrate/air interfaces are then chosen such that no propagating diffracted orders are present in the device superstrate and only a single order is present outside the structure in the substrate. The concept produces a robust output coupler that requires neither phase-matching of the two gratings nor any resonances in the structure, and is very tolerant to potential errors in fabrication. Up to 96% coupling efficiency from the substrate-side grating is obtained over a wide range of grating properties.

Waveguide architectures were inscribed within two different stimuli-responsive hydrogels capable of actuation. An electroactive hydrogel, which deforms when placed within an electric field, is demonstrated as a method for remote actuation and steering of light outputs. Lattices of waveguide with diameters on the microscale were embedded within hydrogel prisms, achieved through a nonlinear light propagation process known as self-trapping. This process is a result of balance between the natural divergence of light and self-focusing effects caused by an irreversible positive refractive index change during photopolymerization. Waveguiding structures are inscribed in the material because of this process. Square (2D) and near-cubic (3D) lattices were inscribed in hydrogel prisms, demonstrating the ability to remotely steer one or two light outputs simultaneously using an electric field. The overall optical effect is reminiscent of camouflaging techniques observed in marine creatures (ie. cephalopods). Additionally, a novel volumetric 3D printing technique previously demonstrated by the Saravanamuttu group was implemented to fabricate hydrogel cylinders capable of photothermal actuation. Coupling a thermoresponsive hydrogel material with a photoabsorber, areas irradiated by a light source are observed to contract. These contractions lead to the deflection of waveguiding cylinders towards the light source, reminiscent of the phototropic behaviours observed in particular plants (ie. sunflowers). The results of these studies provide insight for the fabrication of functional materials through nonlinear light propagation. Understanding these systems could provide knowledge for the fabrication of other stimuli-responsive materials with light-guiding properties. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

No description available.

<p> An optical temperature sensor and Fourier spectrometer, working in the 1550nm telecommunications wavelength range, were fabricated in silicon-on-insulator. Both devices were based on asymmetric Mach-Zehnder Interferometer waveguide geometries. The temperature sensor underwent a two phase design. The various asymmetry factors, due to different path length differences, of the Mach-Zehnder arms resulted in different levels of temperature sensitivity, which in turn was the driving mechanism behind the Fourier spectrometer. Due to the asymmetry of the Mach-Zehnder arms, there exists an inherent optical path length difference which is further changed with temperature variation due to the thermo-optic effect. The phase I temperature sensor showed an accuracy of 1-2°C and a sensitivity of 0.5°C for ΔL of 37.23μm and 23.46μm, respectively. The phase II temperature sensor design, which allowed for self normalization, resulted in a 1°C temperature accuracy and a 0.5°C sensitivity for a ΔL of 27.85μm. Both the phase I and II temperature sensors showed repeatable and stable results for the temperature range of 20-100°C, and agreed well with the theoretical design performance. Upon analysis of the highly asymmetric Mach-Zehnder designs it was found that both the 1.05cm and 3.05cm path length differences resulted in a temperature accuracy of 0.1°C, with a 0.05°C sensitivity over a small temperature range.</p> <p> The Fourier spectrometer exhibited decent agreeability with theoretical design performance and demonstrated proof of concept. A 1.05cm path length difference was insufficient to resolve two wavelengths at 1546.12nm and 1564.68nm, which agreed with the theoretical model. However, the 3.05cm ΔL was sufficient to resolve the two wavelengths in a repeatable manner.</p> / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

<p> Ion implanted Bragg gratings integrated in rib waveguide structures were simulated, fabricated and characterized for the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) photonics platform. After selective silicon self-implantation, to an amorphizing dose of 2x10^15 ions/cm^2, the approximately 0.3 damage-induced increase in the refractive index provided the modulation mechanism necessary for the formation of a Bragg grating. The benefits of implanted Bragg gratings compared to the more widely utilized surface relief type gratings include planar surface retention, desirable for subsequent processing and wafer bonding, and a smaller depth of the index modulation, important for minimizing filtering bandwidths. To our knowledge, this is the first time ion implantation has been utilized to produce Bragg gratings integrated in an SOI rib waveguide. The benefits of using SOI for an optoelectronics platform include: cost minimization, reduced device size, and compatibility with silicon based microelectronics.</p> <p> Device performance was simulated using coupled mode theory (CMT) in conjunction with beam propagation methods (BPM), to determine transverse modal profiles for computing coupling coefficients and to determine geometric dimensions suitable to achieve adequate grating strength and single-mode operation. The Monte Carlo ion implantation simulator SUSPREM4, implementing the binary collision approximation (BCA), was used to determine the amorphous silicon grating profiles. Implanted grating devices were then fabricated into SOI having a 2.5 μm device layer and were optically characterized. For a grating length of 2100 μm and an implant energy of 60 keV, the extinction ratio of the resonant wavelength was found to be -18.11 dB and -0.87 dB for TE and TM polarizations respectively. The excess loss per unit length was measured to be 1.2 dB/mm for TE polarization and 0.6 dB/mm for TM polarization. After annealing the gratings at temperatures of up to 300 °C, used to annihilate low energy point defects responsible for absorption, it was found that the excess loss per unit length was reduced to 0.3 dB/mm for TE polarization. Compared to etched gratings with similar dimensions, it was determined that the strength of the implanted gratings was approximately 2.5 times stronger for grating lengths one third the length as result of mode-shifting due to the higher index of refraction. This is of great consequence to the miniaturization and densification of Bragg grating based devices in silicon photonics.</p> / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

The nonlinear propagation of a visible, continuous wave laser beam was studied in three types of polymer systems that harness photochemical reactions: (i) a photopolymerization to create permanent self-written structures, (ii) a photo-oxidation hosted within a polymer matrix and (iii) a reversible photoisomerization that triggers the contraction of a photoresponsive hydrogel. The process of self-trapping was characterized by monitoring the spatial intensity profiles over time. The mechanism of each material was determined with a series of control experiments in order to confirm the nature of the nonlinear response, including their reversibility and intensity-dependence. These observations led to the study of interactions between self-trapped beams. Two beams under linear conditions will pass through one another, but two beams travelling in a nonlinear medium will interact and influence one another. The interactions of two beams introduced into the aforementioned photochemical systems were investigated and revealed a rich diversity of phenomena including: (i) the attraction between beams, (ii) merging of beams into a single waveguide, (iii) nonlocal attraction between beams, (iv) orbiting of beams, (v) switching of beam positions, and (vi) inhibition of the self-trapping of a neighbouring beam. Each observation is dependent on a detailed understanding of the underlying mechanism of refractive index change. Numerical simulations supplement some of these experiments and provide further evidence for the nonlinear mechanisms. The formation of permanent self-written structures with these nonlinear waves offers the opportunity to create seamless 3D printed materials with prismatic geometries. Several macroscopic objects were constructed using nonlinear waves from incoherent LEDs and amplitude masks. Decomposition of 3D objects into prismatic elements was carried out using an algorithm that breaks an object into individual pieces. Using a multi-step printing process, several prismatic elements can be combined to form a target object. The results of these experimental and theoretical studies improve upon the current understanding of the dynamics of nonlinear light propagation in photochemical systems. These insights may allow us to harness other nonlinear effects and develop new materials for applications such as optical communication, computing and 3D printing. / Thesis / Doctor of Science (PhD) / The nonlinear propagation of a visible, continuous wave laser beam was studied in three types of polymer systems that harness photochemical reactions: (i) a photopolymerization to create permanent self-written structures, (ii) a photo-oxidation hosted within a polymer matrix and (iii) a reversible photoisomerization that triggers the contraction of a photoresponsive hydrogel. Photochemical changes to the material lead to self-induced light-guiding structures that influence the behaviour of light. These self-trapped beams can interact with one another inside of a nonlinear medium, giving rise to a rich diversity of phenomena including: (i) the attraction between beams, (ii) merging of beams into a single waveguide, (iii) nonlocal attraction between beams, (iv) orbiting of beams, (v) switching of beam positions, and (vi) inhibition of the self-trapping of a neighbouring beam. Each observation is dependent on a detailed understanding of the underlying mechanism of refractive index change. Numerical simulations supplement some of these experiments and provide further evidence for the nonlinear mechanisms. The formation of permanent self-written structures with these nonlinear waves offers the opportunity to create seamless 3D printed materials with prismatic geometries. Several macroscopic objects were constructed using nonlinear waves from incoherent LEDs and amplitude masks. Decomposition of 3D objects into prismatic elements was carried out using an algorithm that breaks an object into individual pieces. Using a multi-step printing process, several prismatic elements can be combined to form a target object. The results of these experimental and theoretical studies improve upon the current understanding of the dynamics of nonlinear light propagation in photochemical systems. These insights may allow us to harness other nonlinear effects and develop new materials for applications such as optical communication, computing and 3D printing.