Propagation and stability of nonlinear surface waves

The propagation of three-dimensional continuous-wave Gaussian optical beams focused onto an interface between a nonlinear cladding and a linear substrate is studied numerically. Both Kerr-law and saturable self-focusing nonlinearities are considered. The Gaussian input beam profile closely matches the corresponding stationary stripe nonlinear-surface-wave field distribution. Saturable nonlinear media are shown to lead to an increase in the stability of stripe nonlinear surface waves.