Nonlinear wave-packet dynamics in a disordered medium

Abstract

In this article we develop an effective theory of pulse propagation in a nonlinear and disordered medium. The theory is formulated in terms of a nonlinear diffusion equation. Despite its apparent simplicity this equation describes novel phenomena which we refer to as "locked explosion" and "diffusive" collapse. In this sense the equation can serve as a paradigmatic model, that can be applied to such distinct physical systems as laser beams propagating in disordered photonic crystals or Bose-Einstein condensates expanding in a disordered environment.