A theory is presented which describes the global reflection and transmission characteristics of a self-focused channel propagating at an oblique angle of incidence to an interface separating two or more self-focusing nonlinear dielectric media. A complete characterization of the different behavior of the channel is given in the proper parameter space. In the dominant region, the nonlinear wavepacket representing the self-focused channel is represented as an equivalent particle moving in an equivalent potential. The dynamics of the particle is described by Newton's equations of motion, with the asymptotic propagation paths of the channel being read off from the associated phase planes of the equivalent potential. This theory provides therefore, the nonlinear Snell's Laws of refleciton or transmission since the particle dynamics gives the critical angle of total reflection and in the case of transmission, the corresponding angle of transmission. This theory also gives the stability characteristics of nonlinear surface waves, which had only been partially established in the past through numerical simulations. Finally, some applications of the theory are presented such as the design of an all-optical power adjustable spatial scanning element and an all optical switch. Extensions of the theory to waveguides with multiple interfaces are also given and possible new directions are also suggested.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/184467 |
| Date | January 1988 |
| Creators | Aceves, Alejandro Borbolla. |
| Contributors | Newell, Alan C., Stegeman, George I., Wright, Ewan M., Moloney, Jerome V., McLaughlin, David W. |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Dissertation-Reproduction (electronic) |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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