Light Self-Localization and Power-Dependent Steering in Anisotropic Dielectrics: Spatial Solitons in Uniaxial Nematic Liquid Crystals

Abstract

We discuss nonlinear propagation of light beams in anisotropic media, addressing the role of nonlocality and nonlinearity in power-dependent beam self-steering. With specific reference to spatial solitons in positive uniaxial nematic liquid crystals (i.e. nematicons), we describe soliton self-acceleration through reorientational response and nonlinear walk-off.