  We study how nonlinear delayed-feedback in the Ikeda model can induce
solitary impulses, i.e. dissipative solitons. The states are clearly identified
in a virtual space-time representation of the equations with delay, and we find
that conditions for their appearance is bistability of a nonlinear function and
negative character of the delayed feedback. Both dark and bright solitons are
identified in numerical simulations and physical electronic experiment showing
an excellent qualitative correspondence and proving thereby the robustness of
the phenomenon. Along with single spiking solitons, a variety of compound
soliton-based structures is obtained in a wide parameter region on the route
from the regular dynamics (two quiescent states) to developed spatio-temporal
chaos. The number of coexisting soliton-based states is fast growing with
delay, which can open new perspectives in the context of information storage.
