PT-symmetric coupler with a coupling defect: soliton interaction with exceptional point

We study the interaction of a soliton in a parity-time (PT) symmetric coupler which has local perturbation of the coupling constant. This defect does not change the PT-symmetry of the system, but locally can achieve the exceptional point. We found that the symmetric solitons after interaction with the defect either transform into breathers or blow up. The dynamics of antisymmetric solitons are more complex, showing domains of successive broadening of the beam and of the beam splitting in two outward propagating solitons, in addition to the single breather generation and blowup. All the effects are preserved when the coupling strength in the center of the defect deviates from the exceptional point. If the coupling is strong enough, the only observable outcome of the soliton-defect interaction is the generation of the breather. (C) 2014 Optical Society of America