TY - JOUR
T1 - Optical target and spiral patterns in a single-mirror feedback scheme
AU - Huneus, F.
AU - Schäpers, B.
AU - Ackemann, T.
AU - Lange, W.
PY - 2003/2/1
Y1 - 2003/2/1
N2 - Spatio-temporal structures with a regular time dependence are observed in a nonlinear optical system consisting of a sodium-vapour cell and a single feedback mirror. Target and spiral patterns appear spontaneously in the intensity of the transmitted light field as a result of a self-organisation process. In contrast to the results obtained in most other pattern-forming systems, the radial motion of the waves is directed towards the centre. The emergence of oscillatory structures is traced back to a Hopf bifurcation at a finite wave number. The preference for a radial drift motion is due to a nonlinear guiding effect which results from phase gradients created by the inhomogeneous pump profile. The direction of the drift can be reversed by externally applied phase gradients. The system is a striking example of a case in which the radial variation of the pump profile has a decisive influence on pattern formation.
AB - Spatio-temporal structures with a regular time dependence are observed in a nonlinear optical system consisting of a sodium-vapour cell and a single feedback mirror. Target and spiral patterns appear spontaneously in the intensity of the transmitted light field as a result of a self-organisation process. In contrast to the results obtained in most other pattern-forming systems, the radial motion of the waves is directed towards the centre. The emergence of oscillatory structures is traced back to a Hopf bifurcation at a finite wave number. The preference for a radial drift motion is due to a nonlinear guiding effect which results from phase gradients created by the inhomogeneous pump profile. The direction of the drift can be reversed by externally applied phase gradients. The system is a striking example of a case in which the radial variation of the pump profile has a decisive influence on pattern formation.
KW - nonlinear optical system
KW - oscillatory structures
KW - single feedback mirror
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0037310442&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s00340-003-1108-8
DO - 10.1007/s00340-003-1108-8
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:0037310442
SN - 0946-2171
VL - 76
SP - 191
EP - 197
JO - Applied Physics B: Lasers and Optics
JF - Applied Physics B: Lasers and Optics
IS - 2
ER -