Abstract

We study front propagation in one-dimensional spatially periodic media. Based on an optical feedback with a spatially amplitude modulated beam, we set up a one-dimensional forced experiment in a nematic liquid crystal cell. By changing the forcing parameters, the front exhibits a pinning effect and oscillatory motion, which are confirmed by numerical simulations for the average liquid crystal tilt angle. A spatially forced dissipative φ4 model, derived at the onset of bistability, accounts qualitatively for the observed dynamics. © 2009 The American Physical Society.