SPATIAL SOLITON LASER

We show that the transverse field in a laser with intra-cavity Kerr le ns may be approximated by a spatial soliton, and so the laser can be t hought of as a ''spatial soliton laser''. Using a simple perturbation approach based on the nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLS) we find ana lytical solutions which are in good agreement with numerical results f rom our master equation. This agreement is improved when we combine th e soliton solution with a Gaussian dependent on the position of the Ke rr lens. We discuss the limitations to the soliton perturbation theory . With appropriate placement, either a positive or a negative Kerr len s can induce spatial soliton laser action. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B .V.