Hybrid nonlinearity supported by nonconventionally biased photorefractive crystals

We theoretically and experimentally demonstrate that a nonconventionally biased photorefractive crystal can support hybrid nonlinearity, i.e., coexistence of self-focusing and self-defocusing nonlinearities under an identical bias condition. It is revealed that the nonlinearity experienced by a one-dimensional (stripe) beam can be switched between self-focusing and self-defocusing solely by changing the beam orientation. For a two-dimensional beam, the hybrid nonlinearity leads to unusual nonlinear beam dynamics with enhanced anisotropy and nonlocality.