Nonlinear dynamics of Abnormal Wave Events – NoAWE

The research project is devoted to the study of the development of waves with extreme features, in different branches of science, with particular emphasis on nonlinear optics and laser physics. The focus is mainly on two processes, namely Rogue Waves (RW), that is the generation of waves of unexpectedly high amplitude, and Dispersive Shock Waves (DSW), that is the evolution of steep fronts towards a discontinuity (wave breaking), followed by a regularization through fast oscillations. RW and DSW are quite ubiquitous phenomena in nonlinear physics and they are encountered in several physical settings, the most known being fluid dynamics and oceanography.
The purpose of the project is twofold. First, we aim at a theoretical description of extreme events in different physical settings, to give a unified view of these phenomena. Second, we want to exploit the unique test-bed offered by nonlinear optics and photonics, to experimentally analyze these processes in an easier and safer way with respect, for example, to oceanography.
We will study complex systems where the theory of rogue and shock waves is not settled or non existent, and where experimental demonstrations are still missing. This entails the study of multicomponent systems exhibiting either cubic or quadratic nonlinearities, dissipative environments such as optical cavities, inhomogeneous or nonlocal media, as well as the effects of high order dispersive perturbations.
The results of this project will be useful for a better understanding of the nature of extreme events in several physical scenarios, the most important being optics and water waves. On the applications side, they can lead to novel approaches for the implementation of high-power, ultra-short pulse laser systems.