Subharmonics and chaos generation in all-fiber phase modulator: experimental and theoretical analyses with simulation

We report the results of experimental observation and theoretical analysis of the generation of subharmonic and chaotic signals in a harmonically driven all-fiber phase modulator (PM). When a PM constructed with optical fiber wrapped around a piezoelectric cylinder is driven at high amplitude, we identified that the fiber itself moves with subharmonic frequencies while the piezoelectric cylinder maintains harmonic motion. A theoretical model is presented that is a modification of the model for a bouncing ball on an oscillating table. Some key physical parameters for the model are identified. Potential origins for the discrepancy between the experimental and theoretical analyses are discussed. Ways to suppress the nonlinear effect are also discussed.