We demonstrate a new type of soliton formation arising from the interaction of multiple two-dimensional Airy beams in a nonlinear medium. While in linear regime, interference effects of two or four spatially displaced Airy beams lead to accelerated intensity structures that can be used for optical induction of novel light guiding refractive index structures, the nonlinear cross-interaction between the Airy beams decelerates their bending and enables the formation of straight propagating solitary states. Our experimental results represent an intriguing combination of two fundamental effects, accelerated optical beams and nonlinearity, together enable novel mechanisms of soliton formation that will find applications in all-optical light localization and switching architectures. Our experimental results are supported by corresponding numerical simulations.

We demonstrate control over the acceleration of two-dimensional Airy beams propagating in optically induced photonic lattices. Depending on the lattice strength, we observe a slowing-down and suppression of the self-acceleration of Airy beams, as well as a formation of discrete lattice beams. Moreover, we explore the effects of different artificial single-side defects on the propagation and acceleration. For positive defects, the localization of the Airy beam to the defect site is further enhanced, while for negative defects most of the power is repelled from this site.

We demonstrate both theoretically and experimentally that a finite Airy beam changes its trajectory and shape in optically induced waveguide arrays consisting of different kinds of defects. The propagation dynamics and beam acceleration are controlled with positive and negative defects, and appropriate refractive index change. An additional class of discrete beams and Airy defect modes are demonstrated.

The fields of micro- and nanomechanics are strongly interconnected with the development of micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) and nano-electro-mechanical (NEMS) devices, their fabrication and applications. This article highlights the biomimetic concept of designing new nanodevices for advanced materials and sensing applications.