Pattern collapse as a mechanism for the formation of solitary structures

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel mechanism for forming localized solitary structures in systems without front propagation, demonstrated experimentally in liquid crystals and modeled mathematically.

Contribution

It reveals pattern collapse as a new pathway for solitary structure formation, expanding understanding beyond traditional front-based mechanisms.

Findings

Localized states can form without front propagation.

Pattern collapse leaves a ghost that influences phase space.

Experimental and theoretical evidence supports the mechanism.

Abstract

We report a new mechanism for the formation of localized states, which takes place without front propagation. Correspondingly, localized structures appear as solitary states, displaying a behavior of single independent cells. The phenomenon is observed in the liquid crystal light-valve experiment and is described by a one-dimensional normal form model. We show that such solitary structures exist when a pattern solution collapses and its ghost remains to influence the phase portrait.