Nonlinear electromagnetics in chiral media: Self-action of waves

We report the development of a theory of the self-action of waves in nonlinear chiral media. The basic equations of nonlinear electromagnetism in a chiral medium are reduced to a set of nonlinear coupled Schrödinger equations (NCSE). A partial solution of the NCSE in the form of planar waves and their stability with respect to small perturbations are examined. The Hamiltonian form of the NCSE, as well as conservation principles and the soliton solutions of the NCSE are presented. The presence of chirality is shown to result in an asymmetry of the solitonic spectrum with respect to the handedness of the field. A theory of the interaction of dark and bright solitons in defocusing chiral media is developed. The obtained results, their possible generalization, and their applications are discussed.