We introduce a class of spiraling anomalous vortex beam (AVB) arrays in strongly nonlocal nonlinear media. The general analytical formula for the arrays is derived, and its propagation properties are analyzed. It is shown that the spiraling AVB arrays can present three different propagation states (shrink, expansion, and the dynamical bound state) depending on the absolute value of the transverse velocity parameter ($0<\left|\xi \right|<1,\left|\xi \right|>1$, and $\left|\xi \right|=1$). Accordingly, we propose the concept of array breathers and array solitons. The topological charge of the vortex and the number of the constituent AVB also play important roles in the evolution of the AVB arrays. It is found that the light intensity of the central region of the array's field under an in-phase incident condition is not zero during propagation if and only if the ratio between the two parameters is an integer. By using the derived analytical expression, a series of numerical examples is exhibited to graphically illustrate these typical propagation properties. In addition, we give a variety of array forms of multibeam interaction. Our results may provide insight into vortex beam arrays and may be applied in optical communication and particle control.

• Received 22 January 2019

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.99.063817