A normal form for frequency combs and localized states in Kerr–Gires–Tournois interferometers

Abstract

We elucidate the mechanisms that underlay the formation of temporal localized states and frequency combs in vertical external-cavity Kerr–Gires–Tournois interferometers. We reduce our first-principles model based upon delay algebraic equations to a minimal pattern formation scenario. It consists in a real cubic Ginzburg–Landau equation modified by high-order effects such as third-order dispersion and nonlinear drift, which are responsible for generating localized states via the locking of domain walls connecting the high and low intensity levels of the injected micro-cavity. We interpret the effective parameters of the normal form in relation with the configuration of the optical setup. Comparing the two models, we observe an excellent agreement close to the onset of bistability.