Abstract
We derive vector soliton solutions for photorefractive media in which the refractive-index perturbations must be treated as tensors. The two polarizations of the vector solitons may be coupled through the space-charge field alone and/or through cross terms in the electro-optic tenser, which requires phase matching and specific configurations. We analyze bright planar vector solitons and verify their stability. (C) 1995 Optical Society of America

Abstract
A theory describing the steady-state propagation of orthogonally polarized planar bright beams in biased photorefractive media is developed. Interactions between soliton states of each polarization in a strontium barium niobate photorefractive crystal are then investigated numerically. Our results indicate that such vector interactions can lead to a number of interesting effects such as beam compression and beam steering. (C) 1995 Optical Society of America

Abstract
We show that optical shock-wave solutions are possible in nonlinear dispersive amplifying media that exhibit a frequency-dependent gain and background loss. These shock-wave domains exist at lasing threshold and are permitted in both the normal and the anomalous dispersive regions.

Abstract
By means of an exact solution, we demonstrate that a Gaussian beam can undergo spatial compression when it traverses a photorefractive medium. This is possible provided that the external bias field exceeds the critical value necessary to establish photorefractive spatial solitons. In this regime and under paraxial assumptions our analysis indicates that a Gaussian beam tends to exhibit self-focusing collapse. Beam self-deflection effects that arise from the pi/2-phase-shifted component of the photorefractive grating are also considered in our study.

Abstract
We show that incoherently coupled soliton pairs are possible in biased photorefractive crystals, under steady-state conditions. These solitons can propagate in bright-bright, dark-dark, as well as in bright-dark configurations. Such soliton pairs can be established provided that the carrier beams share the same polarization, wavelength, and are mutually incoherent. Relevant examples are provided where the photorefractive crystal is of the strontium barium niobate type. The characteristics and stability properties of these soliton states are also discussed in detail. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.

Abstract
We investigate higher-order space charge field effects on the evolution of bright spatial solitons in biased photorefractive crystals under steady-state conditions. Numerical simulations demonstrate that these optical solitons can experience considerable increase in their self-deflection especially in the regime of very high bias field strengths. This process is further studied using perturbation techniques. Our analysis indicates, that for very high bias fields, the self-bending process is further enhanced by a factor that varies cubically with the applied field. Relevant examples are provided.