The nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the finite line (Q1336869)

The nonlinear Schrödinger equation subject to homogeneous Dirichlet, Neumann, and Robin boundary conditions in the finite line is studied numerically with second-order Crank-Nicolson methods, employing as initial condition exact soliton solutions truncated to the finite line and translated avoiding mathematical incompatibilities with the boundary conditions. The analytical solution of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the finite line is compared with the numerical solution of the above mentioned boundary value problems and with problems with periodic boundary conditions. Numerical results for the Schrödinger equation in finite lines subject to homogeneous boundary conditions are presented and compared with those corresponding to periodic boundary conditions and initial value problems. A careful discussion of numerical effects and of their physical interpretation places special emphasis on the interaction of the solitons with the boundary or of one solution with another. To analyze these interactions and to explain the numerical effects the Schrödinger equation in semi-infinite lines subject to homogeneous Dirichlet or Neumann boundary conditions is considered analytically (by a method of images, like potential problems). There are a lot of interesting conclusions relative the interactions, for instance the presence of a boundary layer that traps the soliton under Robin conditions.