Spin-optical solitons in liquid crystals

In the framework of nonlinear spin-optics, we investigate self-confined light beams in reorientational nematic liquid crystals. Using modulation theory and numerical experiments, we analyse spatial solitary waves supported by the geometric phase arising in a uniaxial when subject to a nonlinear modulation of its optic axis distribution. Spin evolution and optical reorientation in an index-homogeneous medium give rise to a longitudinally periodic, transversely inhomogeneous potential able to counteract the diffraction of a polarized bell-shaped beam, generating a spin-optical solitary wave. Spin-optical solitary waves evolve in polarization and have an oscillatory character in amplitude, size and ellipticity.