Soliton Eigenvalue Control by Interaction of Circularly Polarized Lights in a Nonlinear Fiber

We propose a physical method for controlling soliton eigenvalues in optical fibers, which is realized through the interaction between circularly polarized lights. Using this method, we not only achieve the decomposition of high-order solitons (HOSs) with different orders, but also realize physical processes of reconstructing HOSs for the first time. Compared with existing methods, our approach ensures accurate measurement of the discrete eigenvalues of HOSs while exhibiting higher decomposition efficiency. It is worth noting that the probe soliton, which induces these phenomena, plays a key role. The requirement for a moderate steepness of the probe suggests the presence of an uncertainty principle in the measurement of soliton eigenvalues, similar to the detection of microscopic particles. Our results can deepen the understanding of microscopic properties of solitons and their interaction mechanisms, and moreover provide a promising all-optical solution for the design of eigenvalue-based multiplexers and demultiplexers.