Self-induced oscillations in an optomechanical system

TL;DR

This paper investigates the nonlinear dynamics and self-induced oscillations in an optomechanical system with a vibrating mirror, combining experimental and theoretical analysis to understand complex oscillatory behavior.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study of self-induced oscillations in an optomechanical cavity, including the influence of multiple optical modes and simultaneous excitation of mechanical modes.

Findings

Observation of large-amplitude oscillations

Quantitative agreement between theory and experiment

Detection of simultaneous excitation of two mechanical modes

Abstract

We have explored the nonlinear dynamics of an optomechanical system consisting of an illuminated Fabry-Perot cavity, one of whose end-mirrors is attached to a vibrating cantilever. Such a system can experience negative light-induced damping and enter a regime of self-induced oscillations. We present a systematic experimental and theoretical study of the ensuing attractor diagram describing the nonlinear dynamics, in an experimental setup where the oscillation amplitude becomes large, and the mirror motion is influenced by several optical modes. A theory has been developed that yields detailed quantitative agreement with experimental results. This includes the observation of a regime where two mechanical modes of the cantilever are excited simultaneously.