We report the exact phase dynamics of Manakov bright and dark vector solitons in an inhomogeneous optical system by means of a variable coefficient coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equation. To investigate the phase dynamics, we have modified the Manakov system with a relation between two modes of propagation, that are obtained by the Hirota bilinear method. The importance of the phase study in soliton interaction is revealed by asymptotic analysis of two-soliton solutions. In contrast with the Manakov bright soliton, the time-dependent dark vector soliton exhibits a gradual phase shift due to the blackness factor. The various inhomogeneous effects on the soliton phase are investigated, with a particular emphasis on nonlinear tunneling. The intensity and corresponding phase of the tunneling soliton either forms a peak or valley and retains its shape after tunneling. Unlike the bright counterpart, the gain or loss term significantly affects the phase of the dark soliton. Apart from the study of soliton intensity, the phase profile of bright and dark vector solitons and its dynamical features are also explored. As the study is not limited to intensity description, the present study could serve as a reference for the future studies on multisolitons phase dynamics in photonics and related fields.

• Received 26 October 2018
• Revised 27 March 2019

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.100.012213