  We introduce a time-dependent model for the generation of joint solitary
waveguides by counter-propagating light beams in a photorefractive crystal.
Depending on initial conditions, beams form stable steady-state structures or
display periodic and irregular temporal dynamics. The steady-state solutions
are non-uniform in the direction of propagation and represent a general class
of self-trapped waveguides, including counterpropagating spatial vector
solitons as a particular case.
