Qualitative and quantitative analysis for the route to chaos via intermittent chaos in an optomechanical resonator
Phys. Rev. A 114, 033510 – Published 9 September, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/ptzp-rqv5
Abstract
Intermittent chaos is a particular nonlinear phenomenon representing a transitional state in the route to chaos. It alternates between periodic and chaotic motions over time, different from the conventional period-doubling bifurcation. Here we qualitatively and quantitatively analyze this specific bifurcation process in a high-Q optomechanical whispering-gallery-mode microtoroidal resonator, where the dynamical process transits from a periodic state into a fully chaotic state via intermittent chaos. Specifically, we show the trajectories in phase space, the evolution of the Poincaré section, and the characteristic patterns of the corresponding Poincaré map, to reveal the unique dynamical features of intermittent chaos in contrast to purely periodic or chaotic behaviors. Moreover, by employing the maximal Lyapunov exponent, Kolmogorov entropy, autocorrelation function, and box-counting dimension, which quantify the trajectory divergence, information generation ability, temporal memory decay, and spatial occupancy in the phase diagram, respectively, we demonstrate a continuous increase in the degree of chaos. This phenomenon observed in an optomechanical resonator may promote further research on intermittent chaos in cavity optomechanics and provide support for the design and utilization of chaotic devices based on such systems.
