Optomechanical dissipative soliton collider

Dissipative solitons and localized dissipative structures are ubiquitous, from optomechanics [1] to fluid dynamics [2], and even cosmological defects [3]. Dissipative solitons exist in systems far from equilibrium, where energy is continuously being lost and resupplied, which introduces unique properties distinct from analogous systems at equilibrium. We have engineered an optomechanical platform called a wave flume that, combined with nanometre-thick films of superfluid helium, can achieve high Ursell numbers and forms a nonlinear dissipative system [4]. A high Q photonic crystal cavity acts as both a wave generator and the sensor with which we can probe the dynamics of the system in real time [5]. In this work, we have demonstrated the ability to drive the system such that two dissipative solitons are produced and locked in position among the “sloshing” mode of the wave flume. Not only are we able to probe the unique dynamics of individual solitons, we can also observe interactions between solitons as they pass each other in the tank. Because dissipative solitons balance energy input, dissipation, nonlinearity, and dispersion/diffraction, they are extremely stable and can withstand changes in the environment while propagating freely; in other words, dissipative solitons can exist as long as the system is being driven [6]. By coupling an optical cavity to a nonlinear, dispersive medium, we seek to go beyond conventional cavity optomechanics and extend into the realm of 'cavity opto-hydrodynamics.'

[1] J. Zhang, et. al. Nature, (2021).

[2] O. Lioubashevski, et. al. Physical Review Letters, (1996).

[3] T. Maxworthy and L. G. Redekopp. Icarus, (1976).

[4] C.G. Baker, et. al. Journal of Physics, (2016).

[5] M.T. Reeves, et. al. arXiv, (2025). (accepted to Science)

[6] F.M. Ellis and H. Luo. Journal of Low Temperature Physics, (1992).