Auto-modulation versus breathers in the nonlinear stage of modulational instability

TL;DR

This paper investigates how localized perturbations influence the nonlinear evolution of modulational instability in optical fibers, revealing complex pattern formations including auto-modulation and breathers.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation showing the impact of perturbation shape and parameters on pattern development in modulational instability.

Findings

Auto-modulation develops in a characteristic wedge.

Breathers can coexist with auto-modulation inside or outside the wedge.

Perturbation shape significantly affects pattern evolution.

Abstract

The nonlinear stage of modulational instability in optical fibers induced by a wide and easily accessible class of localized perturbations is studied using the nonlinear Schrodinger equation. It is showed that the development of associated spatio-temporal patterns is strongly affected by the shape and the parameters of the perturbation. Different scenarios are presented that involve an auto-modulation developing in a characteristic wedge, possibly coexisting with breathers which lie inside or outside the wedge.