Issue
J. Phys. IV France
Volume 135, October 2006
Page(s) 25 - 32
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:2006135005
Published online 23 November 2006
Neuvième colloque sur les lasers et l'optique quantique
C. Chardonnet et G. Millot
J. Phys. IV France 135 (2006) 25-32

DOI: 10.1051/jp4:2006135005

Dissipative soliton in a laser cavity: A novel concept in action

P. Grelu

Laboratoire de Physique de l'Université de Bourgogne, UMR CNRS 5027, BP. 47870, 9 avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France
    e-mail: philippe.grelu@u-bourgogne.fr


(Published online 23 November 2006)

Abstract
The recent concept of a dissipative optical soliton sheds new light for understanding the stability of optical pulses that are generated in passively mode-locked lasers. Considering in these lasers the multiple pulsing regime of operation, the dissipative soliton concept is able to explain the great diversity of interaction behaviours that have been observed experimentally. Among the most spectacular behaviours are the formation of "soliton molecules" and "elastic-type" collisions. The dissipative soliton also explains the existence of complex limit cycles of pulsations within single pulse operation.



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