Mixed-mode spatial solitons in semiconductor waveguides

We show that in slab waveguides made from the cubic crystals with Kerr nonlinearity, it is possible to observe mixed-mode stationary solitons above certain power levels. It is also shown that, in general, two types of mixed-mode soliton are possible. A bifurcation diagram for these solitons is constructed, and a classification of particular cases is given. The polarization evolution of the solitonlike beams is considered by means of the Poincare sphere formalism. (C) 1997 Optical Society of America