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Dual-mode phonon dynamics and lasing in optomechanical cavities

Raúl Ortiz* and Alejandro Martínez

Carlos Mas Arabí† and Carles Milián

  • *Contact author: rortfer@ntc.upv.es
  • †Contact author: cmasara@mat.upv.es
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Phys. Rev. Research 7, 043109 – Published 27 October, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/ht9f-v428

Abstract

We use the full nonlinear bifurcation theory as a powerful methodology to thoroughly classify and predict the phonon lasing dynamics in optomechanical cavities. We exemplify its scope in the very relevant and so far vaguely explored dynamics of dual-mode phonon lasing when two independent mechanical modes are directly coupled to one optical field. We uncover a plethora of different lasing regimes in a fixed and realistic cavity geometry, including single- and dual-mode lasing, and an example of chaos. All dynamical regimes are unambiguously associated with bifurcations of different natures, which may exhibit both super- and subcritical natures characterizing the often hysteretic behavior of the systems when they are externally driven by a time-varying laser source. Our results, generalizable to any other optomechanical system, open unprecedented pathways to understand and control the formation and dynamics of optomechanical frequency combs.

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Phys. Rev. Research 7, 043109– Published 27 October, 2025
  • Received 24 April 2025
  • Accepted 23 September 2025
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