Nonlinear Optical Cavities Research Articles

Strongly Interacting Photons in a Nonlinear Cavity

We consider the dynamics of single photons in a nonlinear optical cavity. When the Kerr nonlinearities of atomic dark resonances are utilized, the cavity mode is well described by a spin- $1/2$ Hamiltonian. We show that it is possible to achieve coherent control of the cavity-mode wave function using $\ensuremath{\pi}$ pulses for single photons that switch the state of the cavity with very high accuracy. The underlying physics is best understood as the nonlinearity induced anticorrelation between single-photon injection/emission events, which we refer to as photon blockade. We also propose a method which uses these strong dispersive interactions to realize a single-photon turnstile device.

Synchronization of chaotic nonlinear optical ring oscillators

We find, by a numerical study, that coupled chaotic nonlinear optical ring cavities, described by delay-differential equations, can show synchronization. This can be useful for encryption in optical communication.

Generalized mean-field or master equation for nonlinear cavities with transverse effects

We present a general form of master equation for nonlinear-optical cavities that can be described by an ABCD matrix. It includes as special cases some previous models of spatiotemporal effects in lasers.

Self-induced modulation and compression of an ultracold atomic cloud in a nonlinear atomic cavity.

We consider a sample of ultracold atoms inside an atomic cavity and driven by a laser field. We show that this field acts effectively as a nonlinear ``light crystal'' for the intracavity atomic wave, which in turn can cause self-modulation and compression of ultracold atomic wave packets. The analogy to the conventional compression technique of optical pulses in a nonlinear optical cavity is discussed.

Observation of a period-doubling sequence in a nonlinear optical fiber ring cavity near zero dispersion

The dynamics of a ring cavity containing an optical fiber are reexamined. A train of picosecond pulses from an additive pulses mode-locked laser synchronously drives the system. The fiber introduces a fast Kerr-type nonlinearity and limits the cavity to a single transverse mode. The experiment is performed near the zero dispersion wavelength of the fiber. A clear route to chaos up to period 8 is observed.

Beyond the Ikeda map: a nonlinear optical ring cavity excited with picosecond pulses

Using a single-mode glass fiber as a dispersive nonlinear medium, we observed hysteresis, period doubling and chaotic behavior of 10 ps laser pulses in a ring cavity. Some special timing logic allowed us to control all relevant parameters, and so for the first time the nonlinear dynamics were studied quantitatively. The general features were in agreement with predictions obtained from the Ikeda map, but quantitative agreement could only be obtained by extending the theory with the influence of group velocity dispersion and pulse shape. No adjustable parameters were used in the theory.

Low dimensional modulational chaos in diffractive nonlinear cavities

The time development of transverse modulational instabilities in nonlinear passive optical cavities may generate both stable and chaotic spatial patterns. The description of these phenomena may be done by means of an averaged forced and damped nonlinear Schrödinger equation. We show that a truncated four-dimensional dynamical system may capture the nonlinear dynamical behavior of the optical field. We present a simple geometrical description of the temporally chaotic and spatially coherent transmitted field.

QUAS1-THERMODYNAMIC MODEL OF THE DISSIPATIVE SYSTEMS AND ITS APPLICATION TO PHASE TRANSITIONS IN OPTICAL BISTABILITY

Taking the optical system as a prototype, this paper demonstrates that a quasi-thermodynamic model for dissipative systems, satisfying the principle of detailed balance, may be developed, which is parallel to the traditional thermodynamics. The present systems are described by the generalized dynamical equation of nonlinear optical cavities, introduced in previous work of Ou Fa et al. In view of the quasi-thermodynamic model, the critical phenomena and phase transitions in optical bistability are discussed systematically and generally. By taking the advantage of Ginzburg-Landau's model, the fluctuations and correlations near the (second kind of) critical point of optical bistability are studied also. So the Landau's theory of phase transitions in equilibrium thermodynamics is generalized to the bistable dissipative systems far from equilibrium.

Optical gating performance using a semiconductor-doped glass etalon

Optical gating is demonstrated using fast-response CdSeTe-doped glass. Continuous-wave probe light and pulsed gate light collinearly illuminate a Fabry-Perot nonlinear optical cavity consisting of two external mirrors and the doped glass. The output of the probe light is gated by the gate light with fast response time. The gating is caused by refractive-index change in the glass due to the carriers generated by the gate light. The nonlinear refractive index of the material is evaluated precisely. >

NEW BEHAVIORS OF BIFURCATION AND CHAOS IN A NONLINEAR OPTICAL RING CAVITY

In this paper, lkeda equation for a nonlinear optical ring cavity is studied by numerical method. It is found that the topological structure, the way of bifurcation and its convergence rate and the period-window-structure depend on the parameters B and φ0 in long delay time limit. In short delay time limit, some anomalous period-windows and nonperiod-doubling bifurcations are revealed, and it is also discovered that the self-similar structure in chaotic bands is blurred in the short time limit.

Multistability and soliton modes in nonlinear microwave resonators

Nonlinear optical cavities are known to exhibit bistability and multistability. In this letter the properties of microwave Fabry–Perot and ring resonators with second-order dispersive nonlinearity are analyzed. Experimental results such as multiple-valued output versus input characteristics, resonance curves, and waveforms are described. On the basis of harmonic and subharmonic generation a new mechanism is found leading to multistability, which is quantitatively attributed to well-defined soliton modes propagating in the resonator.