We introduce the field of transverse nonlinear optics, and discuss some perspectives for applications, namely the use of spatial solitons for parallel information processing, femtojoule switching and logic gates in vertical cavity surface emitting lasers. We illustrate the quantum aspects of nonlinear optical patterns, focusing on quantum images and critical fluctuations in the degenerate optical parametric oscillator below threshold.

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering SciencesMar 15, 19966 citations

Correlations in extended high-density superfluorescence: A self-organized distributed feedback laser

L.O. Schwan, P. Schwendimann, E. Sigmund

We present a simple model that allows a description for the correlation of counterpropagating waves and the formation of spatial patterns in superfluorescent emission. No separation between left- and right-running waves is performed, and retardation effects are fully included. The results indicate qualitative agreement between our calculations and experiments in KCl:${\mathrm{O}}_{2}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$. .AE

Physical Review ADec 1, 198919 citations