Nonlinearity and Discreteness: Solitons in Lattices

Abstract

An overview is given of basic models combining discreteness in their linear parts (i.e. the models are built as dynamical lattices) and nonlinearity acting at sites of the lattices or between the sites. The considered systems include the Toda and Frenkel-Kontorova lattices (including their dissipative versions), as well as equations of the discrete nonlinear Schroedinger (DNLS) and Ablowitz-Ladik (AL) types, and DNLS-AL combination in the form of the Salerno model. The interplay of discreteness and nonlinearity gives rise to a variety of states, most important ones being self-trapped discrete solitons. Basic results for one- and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) discrete solitons are collected in the review, including 2D solitons with embedded vorticity, and some results concerning mobility of discrete solitons. Main experimental findings are overviewed too. Models of the semi-discrete type, and basic results for solitons supported by them, are also considered, in a brief form. Perspectives for the development of topics covered the review are discussed throughout the text.