The effect on Kerr comb generation in a clockwise and counter-clockwise mode coupled microcavity

TL;DR

This paper investigates how mode coupling between clockwise and counter-clockwise modes in microcavities affects Kerr comb generation and soliton formation, combining numerical simulations with experimental validation.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the influence of mode coupling strength on Kerr combs and soliton generation in microcavities, supported by both simulations and experiments.

Findings

Coupling strength determines the range for soliton pulse generation.

CCW comb power depends on CW-CCW mode coupling.

Experimental results confirm simulation predictions.

Abstract

We study the impact of inherent mode coupling between clockwise (CW) and counter-clockwise (CCW) modes on Kerr comb generation in a small whispering-gallery mode microcavity. Our numerical analysis using a coupled Lugiato-Lefever equation reveals the range of the coupling strength in which a soliton pulse can be obtained in the CW direction. It also showed that CCW comb power depends on the coupling strength between the CW and CCW modes. In addition to the simulation, we conducted an experiment to confirm that the power ratio between the CW and CCW comb modes depends on the coupling strength, and the experimental results agree well with the simulation results. This study helps us to understand the relationship between CW and CCW mode coupling and Kerr comb generation, and the effect on soliton formation.