This monograph is devoted to a new branch of nonlinear physics - solitary intrinsic states, or autosolitons, which form in a broad class of physical, chemical and biological dissipative systems. Autosolitons are often observed as highly nonequilibrium regions in slightly nonequilibrium systems, in many ways resembling ball lightning which occurs in the atmosphere. A new approach to problems of self-organization and turbulence is developed, treating these phenomena as a result of spontaneous formation and subsequent evolution of autosolitons. Scenarios of self-organization involve sophisticated interactions between autosolitons, whereas turbulence is regarded as a pattern of autosolitons which appear and disappear at random in different parts of the system. This monograph attempts to provide a comprehensive summary of the theory of autosolitons as developed by the authors over many years of research. The text is suitable for researchers and graduate students whose work involves the physics of nonequilibrium media, semiconductors, plasmas and self-organization.
