Thesis

Spontaneous optical patterns in two and four level atomic systems

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 1995
Thesis identifier
  • T8267
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • The emergence of spatio-temporal structures (patterns) in dissipative systems has generated a great deal of interest, especially in recent years when the increased power of computers has allowed the numerical investigation of simple models of such systems in two spatial dimensions plus time. In this thesis we examine pattern formation in the context of two nonlinear optical systems: a two-level medium in a ring cavity and a four-level medium with feedback mirror. In both systems we use a combination of linear and weakly nonlinear analysis and numerical integration to identify parameter values where patterns are expected and to investigate the questions of pattern selection and stability. In the ring cavity we find that the system shows the formation of, and competition between, roll, hexagon and inverted hexagon (“honeycomb”) patterns close to threshold. As well as the three types of patterns displayed by the ring cavity the feedback mirror system is able to produce squares and rhomboids for appropriate parameter values. Finally, in the ring cavity we are able to show the existence of solitary-wave structures in both one and two dimensions and to demonstrate a technique for their control as bits in a possible optical memory.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Firth, Willie
Resource Type
DOI
EThOS ID
  • uk.bl.ethos.881618

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