Nonparaxial one-dimensional spatial solitons.

Scalar and vector nonlinear nonparaxial evolution equations are developed for propagation in two-dimensions. Using standard soliton scalings, it is found that nonparaxial propagation is accompanied by higher-order linear and nonlinear terms and an effective quintic nonlinear index. The presence of an intrinsic quintic nonlinearity arising from chi((5)) must also be considered at the order of the analysis. These terms represent corrections to the well-known nonlinear Schrodinger equation. Exact and approximate solutions to these higher-order evolution equations are obtained and are shown to exhibit quasi-soliton behavior based on propagation and collision studies. (c) 2000 American Institute of Physics.