Control of Airy-beam self-acceleration by photonic lattices

Abstract

We demonstrate control over the acceleration of two-dimensional Airy beams propagating in optically induced photonic lattices. Depending on the lattice strength, we observe a slowing-down and suppression of the self-acceleration of Airy beams, as well as a formation of discrete lattice beams. Moreover, we explore the effects of different artificial single-side defects on the propagation and acceleration. For positive defects, the localization of the Airy beam to the defect site is further enhanced, while for negative defects most of the power is repelled from this site.