On the proximity of Ablowitz–Ladik and discrete nonlinear Schrödinger models: A theoretical and numerical study of Kuznetsov-Ma solutions

In this work, we investigate the formation of time-periodic solutions with a non-zero background that emulate rogue waves, known as Kuznetsov-Ma (KM) breathers, in physically relevant lattice nonlinear dynamical systems. Starting from the completely integrable Ablowitz–Ladik (AL) model, we demonstrate that the evolution of KM initial data is proximal to that of the non-integrable discrete Nonlinear Schrödinger (DNLS) equation for certain parameter values of the background amplitude and breather frequency. This finding prompts us to investigate the distance (in certain norms) between the evolved solutions of both models, for which we rigorously derive and numerically confirm an upper bound. Finally, our studies are complemented by a two-parameter (background amplitude and frequency) bifurcation analysis of numerically exact, KM-type breather solutions of the DNLS equation. Alongside the stability analysis of these waveforms reported herein, this work additionally showcases potential parameter regimes where such waveforms with a flat background may emerge in the DNLS setting. • Evolution of KM initial data to AL equation is proximal to the one of DNLS equation. • Derivation of the distance in certain norms between evolved solutions in both cases. • Numerical results of KM solutions in AL and DNLS models verify theoretical estimates. • A two-parameter bifurcation analysis of DNLS’ KM solutions is performed. • Numerical results show branches of solutions sitting atop a finite, flat background.