Optical and matter-wave vortices in nonlinear and inhomogeneous media

This project aims to reveal the unifying fundamental nature of phase singularities playing an important role in the modern wave physics, from condensed-matter systems to matter waves and optics. The striking similarities of the dynamics of vortices in electronic, electromagnetic, and matter waves call for an in-depth theoretical analysis involving inhomogeneous, nonlinear, and externally biased media. This project will bring to Australia the cutting edge research and the underpinning knowledge of the fundamental physical phenomena including the studies of the spin-orbit wave coupling and Magnus-type forces. Our ability to control waves of different nature with vortices will have a profound interdisciplinary impact.