Spatial algebraic solitons at the Dirac point in optically induced nonlinear photonic lattices.

The discovery of a new type of soliton occurring in periodic systems is reported. This type of nonlinear excitation exists at a Dirac point of a photonic band structure, and features an oscillating tail that damps algebraically. Solitons in periodic systems are localized states traditionally supported by photonic bandgaps.

'Trapped rainbow' storage of light in metamaterials.

Light usually propagates inside transparent materials in well known ways. However, recent research has examined the possibility of modifying the way the light travels by taking a normal transparent dielectric and inserting tiny metallic inclusions of various shapes and arrangements. As light passes through these structures, oscillating electric currents are set up that generate electromagnetic field moments; these can lead to dramatic effects on the light propagation, such as negative refraction.

Nonlinear surface waves in left-handed materials.

We study both linear and nonlinear surface waves localized at the interface separating a left-handed (LH) medium (i.e., a medium with both negative dielectric permittivity and negative magnetic permeability) and a conventional [or right-handed (RH)] dielectric medium.