Dispersive, superfluid-like shock waves in nonlinear optics

Details Dispersive, superfluid-like shock waves in nonlinear optics Dispersive, superfluid-like shock waves in nonlinear optics

2007-07-13

arxiv.org/abs/0707.1910v1

Nature Physics 3, 46 (2007)

Physics

Optics

21 pages, 6 figures Revised abstract

Scientific paper

In most classical fluids, shock waves are strongly dissipative, their energy being quickly lost through viscous damping. But in systems such as cold plasmas, superfluids, and Bose-Einstein condensates, where viscosity is negligible or non-existent, a fundamentally different type of shock wave can emerge whose behaviour is dominated by dispersion rather than dissipation. Dispersive shock waves are difficult to study experimentally, and analytical solutions to the equations that govern them have only been found in one dimension (1D). By exploiting a well-known, but little appreciated, correspondence between the behaviour of superfluids and nonlinear optical materials, we demonstrate an all-optical experimental platform for studying the dynamics of dispersive shock waves. This enables us to observe the propagation and nonlinear response of dispersive shock waves, including the interaction of colliding shock waves, in 1D and 2D. Our system offers a versatile and more accessible means for exploring superfluid-like and related dispersive phenomena.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Dispersive, superfluid-like shock waves in nonlinear optics does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Dispersive, superfluid-like shock waves in nonlinear optics, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dispersive, superfluid-like shock waves in nonlinear optics will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-59993