Conservation Laws, Soliton Dynamics, and Stability in a Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation with Second-Order Spatiotemporal Dispersion

This paper presents the construction of exact wave solutions for the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) with second-order spatiotemporal dispersion using the modified exponential rational function method (mERFM). The NLSE plays a vital role in various fields such as quantum mechanics, oceanography, transmission lines, and optical fiber communications, particularly in modeling pulse dynamics extending beyond the traditional slowly varying envelope estimation. By incorporating higher-order dispersion and nonlinear effects, including cubic–quintic nonlinearities, this generalized model provides a more accurate representation of ultrashort pulse propagation in optical fibers and oceanic environments. A wide range of soliton solutions is obtained, including bright and dark solitons, as well as trigonometric, hyperbolic, rational, exponential, and singular forms. These solutions offer valuable insights into nonlinear wave dynamics and multi-soliton interactions relevant to shallow- and deep-water wave propagation. Conservation laws associated with the model are also derived, reinforcing the physical consistency of the system. The stability of the obtained solutions is investigated through the analysis of modulation instability (MI), confirming their robustness and physical relevance. Graphical representations based on specific parameter selections further illustrate the complex dynamics governed by the model. Overall, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of mERFM in solving higher-order nonlinear evolution equations and highlights its applicability across various domains of physics and engineering.