Transition from nonradiative to radiative oscillons in parametrically driven systems.

Nonequilibrium systems exhibit particle-type solutions. Oscillons are one of the best-known localized states of systems with time-dependent forcing or parametrically driven systems. We investigate the transition from nonradiative to radiative oscillons in the parametrically driven sine-Gordon model in two spatial dimensions. The bifurcation takes place when the strength of the forcing (frequency) increases (decreases) above a certain threshold. As a result of this transition, the oscillon emits radially symmetric evanescent waves. Numerically, we provide the phase diagram and show the supercritical nature of this transition. For small oscillations, based on the amplitude equation approach, the sine-Gordon equation with time-dependent forcing is transformed into the parametrically driven damped nonlinear Schrödinger model in two spatial dimensions. This amplitude equation exhibits a transition between nonradiative to radiative localized structures, consistently. Both models show quite good agreement.

Front propagation transition induced by diffraction in a liquid crystal light valve.

Driven optical systems can exhibit coexistence of equilibrium states. Traveling waves or fronts between different states present complex spatiotemporal dynamics. We investigate the mechanisms that govern the front spread. Based on a liquid crystal light valve experiment with optical feedback, we show that the front propagation does not pursue a minimization of free energy. Depending on the free propagation length in the optical feedback loop, the front speed exhibits a supercritical transition. Theoretically, from first principles, we use a model that takes it into account, characterizing the speed transition from a plateau to a growing regime. The theoretical and experimental results show quite fair agreement.