Light propagation in media with a highly nonlinear response: an analytical study (Q532388)

The paper deals with the models of light propagation in highly nonlinear media. The model equations are geometrical optic approximations to the eikonal form of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation in \(1+1\) and \(1+2\) dimensions. The emphasis is made on constructing analytical solutions avoiding any assumptions on the form of the beam during the propagation and any restrictions on the functional dependence \(n(I)\) of the refraction index on the light intensity. Various particular forms of \(n(I)\) are studied, special attention being given to the cases of power, saturating, and two-term nonlinearities. It is demonstrated that the functional dependence of the self-focusing position on the initial light peak intensity is governed by the form of the nonlinear refractive index and not by the laser beam shape at the boundary. Comparisons with the results of numerical simulations are discussed.