Nonlinear dynamics with higher-order modes in lithium niobate waveguide arrays

We present theoretical and experimental studies on nonlinear beam propagation in lithium niobate waveguide arrays utilizing higher-order second harmonic bands. We find that the implementation of the higher-order second harmonic bands leads to a number of new effects. The combined interaction of two second harmonic bands with a propagating fundamental beam can lead to a complete inhibition of nonlinear effects or to the formation of discrete spatial solitons, depending only on the wavelength of the fundamental wave. Furthermore we analyze the properties of discrete solitons, allowing for linear coupling of the second harF. Setzpfandt ( ) · A. Tünnermann · T. Pertsch Institute of Applied Physics, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Max-Wien-Platz 1, 07743 Jena, Germany e-mail: [email protected] D.N. Neshev · A.A. Sukhorukov · Y.S. Kivshar Nonlinear Physics Center, Research School of Physics and Engineering, Australian National University, Canberra, 0200 ACT, Australia R. Schiek University of Applied Sciences Regensburg, Prüfeninger Strasse 58, 93049 Regensburg, Germany R. Ricken · Y. Min · W. Sohler Applied Physics, Universität Paderborn, Warburger Strasse 100, 33095 Paderborn, Germany F. Lederer Institute for Condensed Matter Theory and Solid State Optics, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Max-Wien-Platz 1, 07743 Jena, Germany A. Tünnermann Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 7, 07745 Jena, Germany monic. Here we predict and demonstrate experimentally a power dependent phase transition of the soliton topology.