Self-organized nonlinear scar modes in fully chaotic microcavity lasers
Phys. Rev. A 114, 043504 – Published 6 October, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/6kyt-t7g4
Abstract
Selective pumping along an unstable periodic orbit in a fully chaotic billiard laser induces strong intensity localization, making the orbit appear effectively stable. This effect arises not from a single linear resonance, but from self-organized phase locking of multiple linear modes via nonlinear gain dynamics. We define this as a “nonlinear scar mode.” Since fully chaotic billiards host diverse unstable orbits, this mechanism enables tailored lasing features, such as directional emission and low thresholds. Our findings establish nonlinear scar modes as a design principle for two-dimensional microcavity lasers.
