Generation and nonlinear self-trapping of optical propelling beams

We generate optical beams with rotating intensity blades by employing the moiré technique. We show that the number of the blades and the speed and direction of rotation can be controlled at ease with a spatial light modulator, while no mechanical movement or phase-sensitive interference is involved. By applying a noninstantaneous self-focusing nonlinearity, we demonstrate both theoretically and experimentally self-trapping of such optical propelling beams.