Bright and dark optical solitons in optical metamaterials using a variety of distinct schemes for a generalized Schrodinger equation

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the nonlinear Schr & ouml;dinger equation (NLS) incorporating spatiotemporal dispersion and other dispersive effects. The goal is to derive various soliton solutions, including bright, dark, singular, periodic and exponential solitons, to enhance the understanding of soliton propagation dynamics in nonlinear metamaterials (MMs) and contribute new findings to the field of nonlinear optics.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses a range of powerful mathematical approaches to solve the NLS. The proposed methodologies are applied systematically to derive a variety of optical soliton solutions, each demonstrating unique optical behaviors and characteristics. The approach ensures that both the theoretical framework and practical implications of the solutions are thoroughly explored.FindingsThe study successfully derives several types of soliton solutions using the aforementioned mathematical approaches. Key findings include bright optical envelope solitons, dark optical envelope solitons, periodic solutions, singular solutions and exponential solutions. These results offer new insights into the behavior of ultrashort solitons in nonlinear MMs, potentially aiding further research and applications in nonlinear wave studies.Originality/valueThis study makes an original contribution to nonlinear optics by deriving new soliton solutions for the NLS with spatiotemporal dispersion. The diversity of solutions, including bright, dark, periodic, singular and exponential solitons, adds substantial value to the existing body of knowledge. The use of distinct and reliable methodologies to obtain these solutions underscores the novelty and potential applications of the research in advancing optical technologies. The originality lies in the novel approaches used to obtain these diverse soliton solutions and their potential impact on the study and application of nonlinear waves in MMs.