Abstract

Pattern formation in lasers is profoundly affected by their phase invariance. This invariance enables a smooth variation of the phase across the space leading to the spontaneous formation of topological singularities such as vortices [1]. Archaetypical equations governing the evolution of lasers (as well as, e.g., nondegenerate optical parametric oscillators) are the complex Ginzburg-Landau (GL) or the complex Swift-Hohenberg (SH) equations. Typical patterns in these systems are travelling waves and square vortex lattices. Bright cavity solitons can be also observed, but this requires a subcritical bifurcation leading to bistability.

© 2000 IEEE