Some types of dark soliton interactions in inhomogeneous optical fibers

Dark solitons are the subject of intense theoretical and experimental studies in nonlinear optics due to their unique characteristics compared with bright solitons. In this paper, the variable coefficient high-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the inhomogeneous optical fiber is investigated. Via the Hirota bilinear method and symbolic computation, the analytic dark two-soliton solutions are obtained. With the suitable choices of functions and coefficients for the obtained dark two-soliton solutions, some new phenomena are presented for the first time. The influences on phases and amplitudes of soliton interactions are detailed analyzed. Moreover, sets of double-triangle structures and methods of changing the propagation direction of dark solitons are introduced. Finally, by choosing suitable functions of the fourth-order dispersion parameter, the arch-structure and M-structure interactions are revealed. Results may be potentially useful in designing all-optical switches and optical fibers.