Instabilities and pattern formation of coupled nonlinear fields: classical and quantum signatures

This paper studies the coupled light-atom dynamics when the atoms have been laser cooled. Numerical analysis of the nonlinear evolution shows structure formation for both blue and red detuning, and the appearance of spatially periodic patterns in the presence of optical feedback. Some recent experiments with laser cooled atoms have initiated studies of self-focusing in cold vapors. This paper discusses recent progress towards observing these effects.