Material dependent soliton interaction dynamics in highly nonlinear fibers: A phase evolution study

Abstract

We investigate the propagation characteristics of two temporally separated soliton pulses with the same spectra, under the influence of stimulated Raman scattering, within a single-mode optical fiber. This analysis explores the behavior of the interacting solitons while propagating in different chalcogenide materials, exhibiting new features and promising prospects for soliton transmission in optical communication systems. Our study included all the interaction parameters constituting the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE). We have examined the relationship between the Kerr nonlinearity, interpulse and intrapulse Raman effects, and material-dependent collision length featuring a key aspect in logic design and phase control in mode-locking systems. We have also systematically shown the manifestation of the Raman response function from the Raman gain curve, which our mathematical model (the Lorentzian model) provides, that exhibits a near agreement with experimental data. Our findings reveal significant differences from the typical behavior of two-soliton interaction only due to Kerr nonlinearity. Furthermore, we have investigated the mechanism of the net energy transfer between the interacting solitons as an integral phenomenon involved in multiple soliton propagation. These results provide an insightful understanding of the associated nonlinear effects in high-power soliton transmission systems and are foreseen to possess the potential for designing advanced optical switches and mode-locked lasers.