Non-linear dynamics of double-cavity optical bistability of three-level ladder system

TL;DR

This paper investigates the complex nonlinear dynamical behavior of a three-level ladder atomic system in a double-cavity optical bistability setup, revealing phenomena like self-pulsing, chaos, and bifurcations.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of the nonlinear dynamics in a double-cavity three-level system, including stability domains and bifurcation pathways to chaos, which was not previously explored.

Findings

Identification of a hump feature in the bistable response

Observation of period-doubling route to chaos at low input levels

Development of a domain map for stability regions

Abstract

We present non-linear dynamical features of two-photon double-cavity optical bistability exhibited by a three level ladder system in the mean field limit. The system exhibits a hump like feature in the lower branch of the bistable response, wherein a new region of instability develops. The system displays a range of dynamical features varying from normal stable switching, periodic self-pulsing to a period-doubling route to chaos. The inclusion of two competing cooperative atom-field couplings leads to such rich nonlinear dynamical behavior. We provide a domain map that clearly delineates the various regions of stability that will aid the realization of any desired dynamics. We also present bifurcation diagram and the associated supporting evidence that clearly identifies the period-doubling route to chaos, which occurs at low input light levels.