Finite-dimensional model for defect-trapped light in planar periodic nonlinear structures.

We study the dynamics of 2D gap solitons (GSs) in Bragg resonant nonlinear (photonic) gratings in the presence of localized defects. Previous work [Stud. Appl. Math.115, 209 (2005)] explains the mechanism of trapping the GS-carried energy at a defect via a resonant energy transfer from the GS into defect modes. We derive a finite-dimensional model that describes the evolution of the defect-trapped state as an interaction of linear defect modes and show that this model approximates the full dynamics very well in the regime when moderate amounts of GS energy are trapped.