Pulse propagation in an elliptically birefringent Kerr medium

The coupled nonlinear Schrodinger equation, which describes optical propagation in a birefringent Kerr medium, is derived with particular emphasis on optical fibers. It is shown that, when the ellipticity angle theta approximately=35 degrees , Manakov's equation results. Consequences for switching applications are discussed. In particular, if theta not=35 degrees , shadows form when two pulses of opposite polarization interact, i.e. the emerging pulses no longer have their original polarizations. This problem disappears at theta =35 degrees .<
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