Two-dimensional spatiotemporal complexity in dual-delayed nonlinear feedback systems: Chimeras and dissipative...

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear Optics
• Complex Systems Dynamics
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Photonic nonlinear systems exhibit complex emergent behaviors.
• Feedback delays are crucial in shaping system dynamics.
• Understanding pattern formation in nonlinear optics is key to controlling light-matter interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate emergent pattern formation in a photonic nonlinear system using asymmetric feedback delays.
• To demonstrate the switching between different patterns (chimeras and dissipative solitons) by parameter adjustment.
• To validate experimental findings with a theoretical model.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a tunable semiconductor laser transmitted through a Fabry-Pérot resonator with an Airy nonlinearity.
• Implementing two feedback paths with highly asymmetric time delays (differing by two orders of magnitude).
• Applying a space-time transformation to visualize emergent patterns and bandpass filtering for dynamics analysis.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of robust emergent patterns, including two-dimensional chimeras and dissipative solitons.
• Successful switching between chimeras and dissipative solitons by tuning two system parameters.
• Excellent agreement between experimental observations and the modified Ikeda equations theoretical model.

Conclusions:

• Asymmetric feedback delays are a powerful mechanism for inducing and controlling complex emergent patterns in photonic systems.
• The observed self-organization relies solely on the system's intrinsic dynamical properties.
• This work provides a foundation for novel photonic device applications based on controlled pattern formation.