Discrete-symmetry vortices as angular Bloch modes

Abstract

The most general form for symmetric modes of nonlinear discrete-symmetry systems with nonlinearity depending on the modulus of the field is presented. Vortex solutions are demonstrated to behave as Bloch modes characterized by an angular Bloch momentum associated to a periodic variable, periodicity being fixed by the order of discrete point-symmetry of the system. The concept of angular Bloch momentum is thus introduced to generalize the usual definition of angular momentum to cases where O(2) -symmetry no longer holds. The conservation of angular Bloch momentum during propagation is demonstrated.