We perform an experimental time-domain mapping of nonlinear pulse propagation through a two-dimensional photonic-crystal waveguide. Our optical gating method allows for the complete reconstruction of the peculiar propagation behavior in this highly dispersive structure. Temporal soliton formation is accompanied by fast time-scale dynamics within the picosecond pulse regime. For high signal powers, the photonic waveguide band is modified, leading to an acceleration of the propagated pulse.

• Received 8 January 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.87.041802