Abstract

We present a time-dependent theoretical model to describe the formation of 1-D dark photovoltaic spatial solitons in open and closed-circuit configurations. The closed-circuit configuration presents several advantages over the open-circuit. First, higher magnitude space-charge fields are generated and consequently narrower solitons can be formed. In addition, steady-state solitons are obtained in shorter time. For intensity higher than the dark irradiance, we find that while the transient focusing effect giving rise to the quasi-steady-state spatial soliton is clearly observable in open circuit configuration it is predicted to vanish in closed-circuit configuration.

© 2003 Optical Society of America