Bifurcation and quantum delocalized states in second-harmonic generation

Abstract

For the process of intracavity second-harmonic generation in the region of unstable dynamics, the joint fluctuations of numbers of photons and phases of the fundamental mode and second harmonic are studied in positive P representation. It is shown that above the bifurcation point of the optical system the distribution functions of the phases of the fundamental mode and second harmonic have a two-component structure. The quantum trajectories of the phases of these modes are not localized in the components of their states, which demonstrates the presence of quantum-mechanical interference between these components. In both components of each state the same values of numbers of photons are realized. It is shown that in the case of coherent initial states of both modes the joint distribution functions of the numbers of photons and phases are in the oscillatory regime. With time, the modes pass from a two-component delocalized state to a one-component one and then back to the two-component state. The time of oscillation of the distribution function is of the order of the photon's lifetime in the cavity volume. Self-matching of phases of interacting modes is investigated above the bifurcation point.