One-dimensional spatial solitons in AlGaAs waveguides

We present experimental results on one-dimensional (1-D) spatial solitons i n AlGaAs waveguides. Three distinct types of spatial solitons have been obs erved: namely the fundamental soliton, the Manakov soliton, and the vector soliton. The fundamental soliton is the simplest form of 1-D soliton which consists of a single polarization. The properties of waveguiding and 'robus tness' are experimentally studied. Vector solitons which result from the co mplex interplay between the two orthogonally polarized beams due to self-ph ase modulation, cross-phase modulation, and four-wave mixing effects are st udied. The complex beam dynamics and polarization behaviour of the vector s olitons are experimentally studied. Manakov solitons which are a special ca se of the vector soliton exist when the ratio between the self-to-cross-pha se modulation is one and the four-wave mixing effects becomes zero are demo nstrated experimentally and the basic properties discussed. Finally, some s oliton interactions such as trapping and dragging are reported and possible applications of soliton interactions are discussed.