Abstract
We theoretically and experimentally investigate the self-focusing of optical vortices in Kerr media. We observe collapse to a distinct self-similar profile, which becomes unstable to azimuthal perturbations. We analyze the azimuthal modulational instability for ring-shaped vortices and predict the number of azimuthal maxima solely as a function of power and topological charge. In our experiments, the observed multiple-filamentation patterns are in excellent agreement with our theoretical analysis.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 133901 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 96 |
Issue number | 13 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 14 Apr 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Physics and Astronomy