Spontaneous symmetry breaking of dissipative solitons under localized parametric drives

Understanding the mechanisms of Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking is essential for developing control strategies in the emergence of complex localized states. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the spontaneous symmetry breaking of non-propagative dissipative solitons within a water cell parametrically driven by a Gaussian spatial profile. The soliton stabilizes at a position offset from the Gaussian center, evidencing reflection symmetry breaking. Using the parametrically driven and damped nonlinear Schrödinger equation, we apply variational methods to reduce the system to equations governing the soliton position. This reduced model predicts a pitchfork bifurcation that destabilizes the soliton position, in agreement with experimental observations. These findings clarify the scenario underlying the spontaneous symmetry breaking and suggest new avenues for controlling soliton localization in nonlinear dissipative media.