We study the case in which the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) on simple networks consisting of vertices and bonds has an infinite number of constants of motion and becomes completely integrable just as in the case of a simple one-dimensional (1D) chain. Here the strength of cubic nonlinearity is different from bond to bond, and networks are assumed to have at least two semi-infinite bonds with one of them working as an incoming bond. The connection formula at vertices obtained from norm and energy conservation rules shows (1) the solution on each bond is a part of the universal (bond-independent) soliton solution of the completely integrable NLSE on the 1D chain, but is multiplied by the inverse of square root of bond-dependent nonlinearity; (2) nonlinearities at individual bonds around each vertex must satisfy a sum rule. Under these conditions, we also showed an infinite number of constants of motion. The argument on a branched chain or a primary star graph is generalized to other graphs, i.e., general star graphs, tree graphs, loop graphs and their combinations. As a relevant issue, with use of reflectionless propagation of Zakharov-Shabat’s soliton through networks we have obtained the transmission probabilities on the outgoing bonds, which are inversely proportional to the bond-dependent strength of nonlinearity. Numerical evidence is also given to verify the prediction.

• Received 11 February 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.81.066602