Spatial vector solitons consisting of counterpropagating fields.

We present the experimental observation of a spatial vector soliton formed by counterpropagation of coherent optical fields. This is to our knowledge the first observation of a vector soliton in which the induced waveguide (potential) is periodic in the propagation direction. This vector soliton induces a waveguide and a thick grating within the waveguide, which can be used as a tunable optical waveguide filter.