The theory of optical dispersive shock waves in photorefractive media

TL;DR

This paper develops a comprehensive one-dimensional analytical theory for optical dispersive shock waves in photorefractive media, validated by numerical simulations and explaining recent experimental observations.

Contribution

It introduces a full analytical framework based on Whitham modulation theory for optical shocks in photorefractive media, including cylindrical symmetry cases.

Findings

Analytical theory matches numerical simulations

Explains recent experimental observations

Extends to cylindrical symmetry cases

Abstract

The theory of optical dispersive shocks generated in propagation of light beams through photorefractive media is developed. Full one-dimensional analytical theory based on the Whitham modulation approach is given for the simplest case of sharp step-like initial discontinuity in a beam with one-dimensional strip-like geometry. This approach is confirmed by numerical simulations which are extended also to beams with cylindrical symmetry. The theory explains recent experiments where such dispersive shock waves have been observed.