Experimental observation of dark solitons on the surface of water

A. Chabchoub, N. Hoffmann, O. Kimmoun, H. Branger, Davide Proment, M. Onorato, N. Akhmediev

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Abstract

We present the first ever observation of dark solitons on the surface of water. It takes the form of an amplitude drop of the carrier wave which does not change shape in propagation. The shape and width of the soliton depend on the water depth, carrier frequency, and the amplitude of the background wave. The experimental data taken in a water tank show an excellent agreement with the theory. These results may improve our understanding of the nonlinear dynamics of water waves at finite depths.
Original languageEnglish
Article number124101
Number of pages5
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume110
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Mar 2013

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