Abstract

The quantum mechanical Zeno effect states that the spontaneous decay of an unstable quantum system can be suppressed by continuous measurements. Classical analogues of this paradox have been observed in light wave propagation, e.g., for optical tunneling [1] and transverse spreading [2]. In contrast to previous works, we discuss the appearance of a Zeno-like effect, considering pulse propagation in nonlinear waveguides in terms of a generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation. In presence of perturbations, e.g., third order dispersion, a higher order soliton experiences dramatic spectral broadening, i.e., supercontinuum generation, and breaks up. This soliton fission process is enabled by spectral broadening of the initial soliton, transferring energy to a phase matched dispersive wave [3]. By introducing strong linear absorption to the dispersive wave, it is shown that soliton fission is slowed down or even suppressed, with strong impact to the overall observed complex dynamics in supercontinuum generation. Here, linear loss assumes the role of continuous measurements within the quantum context.

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