Optomechanically-induced spontaneous symmetry breaking

TL;DR

This paper investigates how optomechanical interactions in symmetric cavities can lead to spontaneous mirror symmetry breaking, enabling optical switching and memory functionalities through nonlinear dynamics and bifurcations.

Contribution

It demonstrates the occurrence of spontaneous symmetry breaking and multistability in optomechanical cavities, proposing a mechanism for low-noise optical switching and memory.

Findings

Identification of pitchfork bifurcation due to nonlinear detuning

Demonstration of multistability in the system

Proposal of optomechanical symmetry breaking as an optical switch

Abstract

We explore the dynamics of spontaneous breakdown of mirror symmetry in a pair of identical optomechanical cavities symmetrically coupled to a waveguide. Large optical intensities enable optomechanically-induced nonlinear detuning of the optical resonators, resulting in a pitchfork bifurcation. We investigate the stability of this regime and explore the possibility of inducing multistability. By injecting proper trigger pulses, the proposed structure can toggle between two asymmetric stable states, thus serving as a low-noise nanophotonic all-optical switch or memory element.