Chimera-like states in an array of coupled-waveguide resonators

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear dynamics
• Optical physics
• Complex systems

Background:

• Coupled-waveguide resonators are fundamental in optics.
• The Lugiato-Lefever equation models nonlinear optical systems.
• Chimera states are complex spatiotemporal patterns with both ordered and chaotic domains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the stabilization of chimera-like states in discrete coupled-waveguide resonators.
• To analyze the dynamics and characteristics of these localized structures.
• To compare the behavior with the continuous Lugiato-Lefever model.

Main Methods:

• Modeling coupled-waveguide resonators using the discrete Lugiato-Lefever equation.
• Analyzing the stability of chimera-like states.
• Characterizing state formation using Lyapunov spectra computation.
• Investigating parameter regimes for state coexistence.

Main Results:

• Chimera-like states are stabilized in discrete coupled-waveguide resonators, unlike their instability in continuous models.
• Dispersive radiation, causing instability in continuous models, is suppressed by the discrete nature.
• Localized states exhibit intermittent spatiotemporal chaotic dynamics.
• These states arise from the coexistence of a uniform steady state and a spatiotemporal intermittency state.

Conclusions:

• Discrete coupled-waveguide resonators offer a platform for stabilizing chimera-like states.
• The discrete nature is crucial for overcoming the instability mechanisms present in continuous models.
• The identified states possess a complex, intermittent chaotic dynamical nature.