Modeling of octave-spanning Kerr frequency combs using a generalized mean-field Lugiato-Lefever model

TL;DR

This paper introduces a generalized Lugiato-Lefever model to efficiently simulate octave-spanning Kerr frequency combs, revealing their association with cavity solitons and dispersive waves, and matching experimental results.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel numerical approach using a generalized mean-field Lugiato-Lefever equation that accelerates simulations while accurately modeling broad Kerr combs.

Findings

Excellent agreement with experimental data for octave-spanning combs

Simulations are significantly faster than previous methods

Kerr combs are linked to temporal cavity solitons and dispersive waves

Abstract

A generalized Lugiato-Lefever equation is numerically solved with a Newton-Raphson method to model Kerr frequency combs. We obtain excellent agreement with past experiments, even for an octave-spanning comb. Simulations are much faster than with any other technique despite including more modes than ever before. Our study reveals that Kerr combs are associated with temporal cavity solitons and dispersive waves, and opens up new avenues for the understanding of Kerr comb formation.