Quasi-periodic transformations of nonlocal spatial solitons

Abstract

We study quasi-periodic transformations between nonlocal spatial solitons of different symmetries triggered by modulational instability and resembling a self-induced mode converter. Transformation dynamics of solitons with zero angular momentum, e.g. the quadrupole-type soliton, reveal the equidistant spectrum of spatial field oscillations typical for the breather-type solutions. In contrast, the transformations of nonlocal solitons carrying orbital angular momentum, such as 2 × 3 soliton matrix, are accompanied by their spiralling and corresponding spectra of field oscillations show mixing of three characteristic spatial frequencies.