$\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$-symmetric mode-locking

Abstract

Parity-time ($\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$) symmetry is one of the most important accomplishments in optics over the past decade. Here the concept of $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$ mode-locking of a laser is introduced, in which active phase locking of cavity axial modes is realized by asymmetric mode coupling in a complex time crystal. $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$ mode-locking shows a transition from single to double pulse emission as the $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$ symmetry breaking point is crossed. The transition can show a turbulent behavior, depending on a dimensionless modulation parameter that plays the same role as the Reynolds number in hydrodynamic flows.

6 pages, 3 figures, To appear in Optics Letters

References in corpus (4)

• Making Sense of Non-Hermitian Hamiltonians
• Physical realization of $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$-symmetric potential scattering in a planar slab waveguide
• The mode-locking transition of random lasers
• Talbot self-imaging in $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$-symmetric complex crystals

Cited by in corpus (1)

• Localization, quantum resonances and ratchet acceleration in a periodically-kicked $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$-symmetric quantum rotator