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Francis H. Bennet

Publications and source records attributed to Francis H. Bennet.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

Nonlinear light localization around the core of a `holey' fiber

We examine localized surface modes in the core of a photonic crystal fiber composed of a finite nonlinear (Kerr) hexagonal waveguide array with a central defect. Using a discrete approach, we find the fundamental surface mode and its stability window. We also examine an unstaggered, ring-shaped surface mode and find that it is always unstable, decaying to the single-site fundamental surface mode. A continuous model computation reveals that an initial vortex excitation (S=1) of small amplitude around the central hole can survive for a relatively long evolution distance. At high amplitudes, however, it decays to a ring configuration with no well-defined phase structure.

nlin.PS

Through Einstein's Eyes

We have developed a relativistically-accurate computer graphics code and have used it to produce photo-realistic images and videos of scenes where special relativistic effects dominate, either in astrophysical contexts or in imaginary worlds where the speed of light is only a few metres per second. The videos have been integrated into our under-graduate teaching programme for several years. Recently we took the next step, encouraging undergraduate students to use the code to explore relativity, develop their own videos, and eventually package them together into Through Einstein's Eyes, a multimedia CD.

physics.ed-ph