An “Airy gun”: Self-accelerating solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation in vacuum

We consider generalizations of the Berry and Balazs nonspreading and accelerating solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation in empty space, which has been experimentally demonstrated in paraxial optics. In particular, we show that the original nonspreading wave packet is unstable. An explicit variation of the initial Airy-state evolves into the self-accelerating and self-compressing solution presented here. Quasi-diffraction-free finite energy Airy beams that are more realistic for experimental study are obtained by analytic continuation and their Wigner function is evaluated. Nonlinear generalizations related to second Painlevé transcendents are briefly discussed.

► Generalizations of the nonspreading and accelerating solution of the Schrödinger equation. ► Stability of the Airy beams. ► Wigner function of quasi-diffraction-free finite energy Airy beams. ► Nonlinear generalizations related to second Painlevé transcendents.