Desyatnikov, Anton SDennis, Mark RFerrando, Albert2015-12-131050-2947http://hdl.handle.net/1885/70406We introduce discrete vortex solitons and vortex breathers in circular arrays of nonlinear waveguides. The simplest vortex breather in a four-waveguide coupler is a nonlinear dynamic state changing its topological charge between +1 and -1 periodically during propagation. We find the stability domain for this solution and suggest an all-optical vortex switching scheme.Author/s retain copyrightKeywords: All-optical; Circular arrays; Discrete vortices; Non-linear dynamics; Nonlinear waveguides; Stability domains; Switching scheme; Topological charges; Nonlinear optics; Solitons; Waveguides; Vortex flow201110.1103/PhysRevA.83.0638222016-02-24