Nonlinear Waves Seminar: Boaz Ilan

Spectral Mirror Imaging

Boaz Ilan

School of Natural Sciences; University of California, Merced

Date and time: 

Tuesday, October 21, 2014 - 4:30pm

Location: 

ECOT 226

Abstract: 

When two pulses with well-separated central frequencies co-propagate in a dispersive medium, their spectral (Fourier) amplitudes can be oppositely-shaped. This phenomenon, called spectral mirror imaging (SMI), has been observed in nonlinear optics. The physical system can be modeled using coupled nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equations. SMI is explained using asymptotic analysis of a simplified linear system. Direct numerical computations of the NLS system confirm the analytical predictions and also show that "parasitic" effects can breakup the symmetries. This understanding can lead to new ways to control ultrashort optical pulses.