The finite-length effect of a resonant nonlinear photonic crystal on the propagation dynamics of gap solitons is theoretically studied. This effect results in a dissipation and deceleration of the moving gap solitons such that the propagation dynamics is essentially different from that on an infinite domain. Due to this effect, two slow counterpropagating solitons can collide into a nonmoving breatherlike bound state, even under many realistic excitation circumstances.

• Received 23 September 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.75.066610