Mordechai Segev

Observation of Random Phase Gap Solitons in 2-D Photonic Lattices

We report the first experimental observation of gap random-phase lattice solitons. We observe their self-trapping conformed to the lattice periodicity in real space, as well as their multi-humped power spectrum in k-space.

Soliton Transitions in Waveguide Arrays

It is theoretically demonstrated that interband and Rabi soliton transitions are possible in waveguide arrays. Such transitions can take place in optical lattices when the cell is periodically modulated along the propagation direction.

Spontaneous Pattern Formation upon Random Phase Waves: From Modulation-Instability to Dynamic Equilibrium

We show that MI is the driving force bringing spatially-incoherent light to an equilibrium state, while propagating through non-instantaneous nonlinearities. The equilibrium state depends only on the initial coherence, and not on the nonlinearity strength.

Waves in Photonic Lattices: From Interacting Photonic Quasi-Crystals to Anderson Localization

The recent progress with linear and nonlinear waves in photonic lattices has led to many unprecedented experiments. This talk will present the recent progress in two directions: Anderson Localization and Photonic Quasi-crystals.

Propagation of spatially and temporally incoherent light and modulation instability in non-instantaneous nonlinear media

We present a theory describing propagation of spatially and temporally incoherent light in non-instantaneous nonlinear media, and demonstrate the existence of modulation instability of ”white” light. We find that modulation instability of ”white” light is fundamentally a collective effect, where all the temporal frequencies participate in the formation of a pattern, and self-adjust their respective contributions.

Collisions between 2+1D Composite Solitons: DelayedAction Interaction and SpinOrbit Coupling

We report on new fundamental phenomena in soliton interactions: delayed- action interaction and spin-orbit coupling upon collision between two-dimensional composite solitons.

Modulation instability and pattern formation of incoherent light

Modulation instability and pattern formation in spatially incoherent light beams is experimentally demonstrated, and we show that patterns, such as 2D self-ordered arrays of light spots, can form spontaneously from noise. This is a universal phenomena that relates to other nonlinear systems of weakly-correlated particles, such as Bose-Einstein condensates and semiconductors near the quantum Hall regime.