Dark solitons in discrete lattices: saturable versus cubic nonlinearities

Dynamics of discrete solitons in the fractional discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation with the quasi-Riesz derivative

We elaborate a fractional discrete nonlinear Schrödinger (FDNLS) equation based on an appropriately modified definition of the Riesz fractional derivative, which is characterized by its Lévy index (LI). This FDNLS equation represents a novel discrete system, in which the nearest-neighbor coupling is combined with long-range interactions, that decay as the inverse square of the separation between lattice sites. The system may be realized as an array of parallel quasi-one-dimensional Bose-Einstein condensates composed of atoms or small molecules carrying, respectively, a permanent magnetic or electric dipole moment. The dispersion relation (DR) for lattice waves and the corresponding propagation band in the system's linear spectrum are found in an exact form for all values of LI. The DR is consistent with the continuum limit, differing in the range of wave numbers. Formation of single-site and two-site discrete solitons is explored, starting from the anticontinuum limit and continuing the analysis in the numerical form up to the existence boundary of the discrete solitons. Stability of the solitons is identified in terms of eigenvalues for small perturbations, and verified in direct simulations. Mobility of the discrete solitons is considered too, by means of an estimate of the system's Peierls-Nabarro potential barrier, and with the help of direct simulations. Collisions between persistently moving discrete solitons are also studied.

Discrete solitons in electromechanical resonators

We consider a particular type of parametrically driven discrete Klein-Gordon system describing microdevices and nanodevices, with integrated electrical and mechanical functionality. Using a multiscale expansion method we reduce the system to a discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Analytical and numerical calculations are performed to determine the existence and stability of fundamental bright and dark discrete solitons admitted by the Klein-Gordon system through the discrete Schrödinger equation. We show that a parametric driving can not only destabilize onsite bright solitons, but also stabilize intersite bright discrete solitons and onsite and intersite dark solitons. Most importantly, we show that there is a range of values of the driving coefficient for which dark solitons are stable, for any value of the coupling constant, i.e., oscillatory instabilities are totally suppressed. Stability windows of all the fundamental solitons are presented and approximations to the onset of instability are derived using perturbation theory, with accompanying numerical results. Numerical integrations of the Klein-Gordon equation are performed, confirming the relevance of our analysis.

Localized gap-soliton trains of Bose-Einstein condensates in an optical lattice

We develop a systematic analytical approach to study the linear and nonlinear solitary excitations of quasi-one-dimensional Bose-Einstein condensates trapped in an optical lattice. For the linear case, the Bloch wave in the nth energy band is a linear superposition of Mathieu's functions ce_{n-1} and se_{n} ; and the Bloch wave in the nth band gap is a linear superposition of ce_{n} and se_{n} . For the nonlinear case, only solitons inside the band gaps are likely to be generated and there are two types of solitons-fundamental solitons (which is a localized and stable state) and subfundamental solitons (which is a localized but unstable state). In addition, we find that the pinning position and the amplitude of the fundamental soliton in the lattice can be controlled by adjusting both the lattice depth and spacing. Our numerical results on fundamental solitons are in quantitative agreement with those of the experimental observation [B. Eiermann, Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 230401 (2004)]. Furthermore, we predict that a localized gap-soliton train consisting of several fundamental solitons can be realized by increasing the length of the condensate in currently experimental conditions.

Dark soliton dynamics and interactions in continuous-wave-induced lattices

The dynamics of dark spatial soliton beams and their interaction under the presence of a continuous wave (CW), which dynamically induces a photonic lattice, are investigated. It is shown that appropriate selection of the characteristic parameters of the CW result in controllable steering of a single soliton as well as controllable interaction between two solitons. Depending on the CW parameters, the soliton angle of propagation can be changed drastically, while two-soliton interaction can be either enhanced or reduced, suggesting a reconfigurable soliton control mechanism. Our analytical approach, based on the variational perturbation method, provides a dynamical system for the dark soliton evolution parameters. Analytical results are shown in good agreement with direct numerical simulations.

Dark solitons in dynamical lattices with the cubic-quintic nonlinearity

Results of systematic studies of discrete dark solitons (DDSs) in the one-dimensional discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation with the cubic-quintic on-site nonlinearity are reported. The model may be realized as an array of optical waveguides made of an appropriate non-Kerr material. First, regions free of the modulational instability are found for staggered and unstaggered cw states, which are then used as the background supporting DDS. Static solitons of both on-site and inter-site types are constructed. Eigenvalue spectra which determine the stability of DDSs against small perturbations are computed in a numerical form. For on-site solitons with the unstaggered background, the stability is also examined by dint of an analytical approximation, that represents the dark soliton by a single lattice site at which the field is different from cw states of two opposite signs that form the background of the DDS. Stability regions are identified for the DDSs of three types: unstaggered on-site, staggered on-site, and staggered inter-site; all unstaggered inter-site dark solitons are unstable. A remarkable feature of the model is coexistence of stable DDSs of the unstaggered and staggered types. The predicted stability is verified in direct simulations; it is found that unstable unstaggered DDSs decay, while unstable staggered ones tend to transform themselves into moving dark breathers. A possibility of setting DDS in motion is studied too. Analyzing the respective Peierls-Nabarro potential barrier, and using direct simulations, we infer that unstaggered DDSs cannot move, but their staggered counterparts can be readily set in motion.