Self-synchronization of Kerr-nonlinear Optical Parametric Oscillators

TL;DR

This paper presents a reduced nonlinear oscillator model that explains pulse formation and mode synchronization in Kerr-nonlinear optical parametric oscillators, linking theoretical dynamics to observed phase steps in optical frequency combs.

Contribution

It introduces a new simplified model connecting mode synchronization with spatiotemporal pulse formation in Kerr nonlinear systems, explaining experimental phase phenomena.

Findings

Identification of stable cavity solitons and Turing patterns

Explanation of $\pi$ and $\pi/2$ phase steps in microresonator combs

Connection between mode synchronization and pulse formation

Abstract

We introduce a new, reduced nonlinear oscillator model governing the spontaneous creation of sharp pulses in a damped, driven, cubic nonlinear Schroedinger equation. The reduced model embodies the fundamental connection between mode synchronization and spatiotemporal pulse formation. We identify attracting solutions corresponding to stable cavity solitons and Turing patterns. Viewed in the optical context, our results explain the recently reported $\pi$ and $\pi/2$ steps in the phase spectrum of microresonator-based optical frequency combs.