Title: The Continuum Mechanics of Soliton Collisions
Abstract: The wave-particle dualism is one of the most important paradigms of modern physics, often attributing a particle character to objects that are in principle waves. One such example is a soliton, representing a wave that can propagate over extended distances without changing its shape, resembling the trajectories of rigid mechanical bodies in Newtonian physics, even in a collision process [1]. However, this analogy has strong restrictions as still wave properties are required and more importantly only the trivial solution of the momentum conservation equation (exactly equal solitions) can be addressed. Here we take the analogy one decisive step further, discussing completely Newtonian soliton collisions, detached from the wave description. Moreover, we show that the solitons act like extended massive objects, which deform in accord with the continuum mechanical concept of classical theory of elasticity. The interaction offers a variety of possibilities for controlled exchange of energy and momentum, opening a perspective for new applications of solitons in optical switching or trapping.
Publication Year: 2019
Publication Date: 2019-06-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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