Eigenvalue splitting in a periodic array of dark spatial solitons

Summary form only given. Dark spatial solitons maybe used as configurable waveguides for all-optical switching and interconnecting. However, when many solitons are placed in a periodic array, they may lose their "particle-like identity". In this regime, which may be described in terms of the Floquet theorem (Bloch\´s theorem), the soliton trajectories are sinuous rather than straight. Furthermore, the soliton eigenvalue spectrum exhibits allowed bands (and band gaps). In our experiment, the positions and eigenvalues of the solitons are controlled with computer generated holography. The interference of the soliton array with a plane wave is numerically calculated and printed on acetate film. This interferogram is re recorded on a Dupont Holographic photopolymer film.