Formation of a standing-light pulse through collision of gap solitons

Results of a systematic theoretical study of collisions between moving solitons in a fiber grating are presented. Various outcomes of the collision are identified, the most interesting one being merger of the solitons into a single zero-velocity pulse, which suggests a way to create pulses of “standing light.” The merger occurs with the solitons whose energy takes values between 0.15 and 0.35 of the limit value, while their velocity is limited by [Formula presented] of the limit light velocity in the fiber. If the energy is larger, another noteworthy outcome is acceleration of the solitons as a result of the collision. In the case of mutual passage of the solitons, inelasticity of the collision is quantified by the energy-loss share. Past the soliton’s stability limit, the collision results in strong deformation and subsequent destruction of the solitons. Simulations of multiple collisions of two solitons in a fiber-loop configuration are performed too. In this case, the maximum velocity admitting the merger increases to [Formula presented] of the limit velocity. The influence of an attractive local defect on the collision is also studied, with the conclusion that the defect does not alter the overall picture, although it traps a small-amplitude pulse. Related effects in single-soliton dynamics are considered too, the most important one being the possibility of slowing down the soliton (reducing its velocity to the above-mentioned values that admit fusion of colliding solitons) by passing it through an apodized fiber grating, i.e., one with a gradually increasing Bragg reflectivity. Additionally, transformation of an input sech signal into a gap soliton (which is quantified by the share of lost energy), and the rate of decay of a quiescent gap soliton in a finite fiber grating, due to energy leakage through loose edges, are also studied. © 2003 The American Physical Society.