Smart Photonics

Gaining control over nonlinear pulse dynamics during their evolution along a waveguide is a profound technological challenge in photonics. Here, we demonstrate local control of ultrafast nonlinear dynamics using a novel photonic platform consisting of highly nonlinear liquid-core fibers, where longitudinal real-time dispersion control is achieved by temperature-sensitive core liquids and computer-controlled heating elements. Complex physical phenomena such as soliton reformation and emission of soliton recompression-induced secondary dispersive wave formation have been investigated. Simulations agree with experiments, improving understanding of nonlinear dynamics by filtering out key spectral features. Overall, this concept provides valuable insight into nonlinear phenomena and enables advanced applications that require precise dispersion control.