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Stephane Coen

Publications and source records attributed to Stephane Coen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2026

All-optical Synchronization of Breather Solitons in a Kerr Microresonator

Microresonator Kerr solitons are promising candidates for the realization of miniaturized on-chip optical frequency combs. For specific system parameters, these solitons are associated with oscillatory instabilities, leading to breathing dynamics characterized by periodically modulated temporal and spectral profiles. In this regime, the solitons form a frequency comb comprised of primary comb lines surrounded by sidebands separated by the breathing frequency. Here, we numerically and experimentally demonstrate that the breathing sidebands can be all-optically synchronized to a weak monochromatic laser injected into the cavity, thus providing direct control of the soliton oscillation frequency. We judiciously characterize the synchronization process, and show that it is accompanied by a strong reduction of noise in the soliton's breathing. Our results provide fundamental insights on oscillatory dissipative structures, and could enable new forms of composite optical frequency combs.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2026

Soliton crystal formation in Kerr cavities with an avoided mode crossing: a theoretical study

We theoretically and numerically investigate the formation of soliton crystals in Kerr microresonators in the presence of an avoided mode crossing (AMX). Our study combines dynamical simulations based on a modified Lugiato-Lefever equation (LLE) with a stability analysis of its stationary solutions. We show that, depending on its strength and spectral position, the AMX can either stabilize otherwise unstable soliton crystals or induce Turing patterns which subsequently seeds soliton crystal formation. Both perfect and imperfect soliton crystals can form below the pump threshold for spatiotemporal chaos, and we identify the conditions required for perfect crystals. Finally, we investigate modulation instability in the presence of an AMX, showing that it modifies the parametric gain and can suppress or promote Turing pattern formation depending on its spectral position.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2026

Collective-Coordinate Fluctuations of Driven-Dissipative Solitons

Fluctuations of nonequilibrium localized waves are shaped not only by direct stochastic forcing but also by deterministic transfer among coupled collective degrees of freedom. We develop a pathway-resolved stochastic collective-coordinate theory that makes this transfer explicit for stationary driven-dissipative solitons of the generalized Lugiato--Lefever equation with Raman response. The reduction yields a refined stationary phase-locking relation, providing a fixed point for the subsequent stochastic theory. Projecting field-level fluctuations onto four soliton coordinates: amplitude, frequency shift, temporal position, and global phase, yields a reduced Langevin model and, after linearization about a stable stationary state, an analytic power-spectral-density matrix. This framework separates direct stochastic injection from deterministic inter-coordinate conversion and thereby resolves how each observable spectrum is assembled from distinct internal fluctuation pathways. It shows that timing jitter is governed primarily by Gordon--Haus-type frequency-to-timing conversion, while phase noise is often dominated by amplitude-to-phase transfer rather than by direct phase diffusion. Raman response opens additional cascaded pathways, and the low-detuning hump in the intensity and phase spectra is traced to the driven response of an underdamped amplitude--phase subsystem preceding the breathing instability. Comparisons with stochastic simulations of both the reduced model and the full generalized Lugiato--Lefever equation show good agreement throughout most of the stable stationary single-soliton regime, with systematic deviations mainly near the Hopf boundary. The theory provides a general route for connecting internal fluctuation-transfer mechanisms of dissipative solitons to measurable noise observables.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2026

Symmetry-Broken Cavity Solitons and Collective Polarization Conformity in Fabry-Perot Kerr Resonators

We report on the experimental generation of polarization symmetry-broken cavity solitons (CSs) in a passive, fiber-based, coherently-driven, Fabry-Perot (FP) Kerr resonator. Polarization resolved measurements reveal the spontaneous transition of initially symmetric CSs into asymmetrical vectorial states, triggered by a cross-phase modulation-induced polarization bifurcation. Most notably, due to counter-propagation of light occurring in FP resonators, we unveil a collective polarization conformity effect, whereby multiple CSs circulating in the cavity converge to the same asymmetric polarization state once their number exceeds a certain threshold. These results demonstrate that Fabry-Perot resonators support novel collective soliton dynamics that are absent in ring architectures.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2025

Multi-peak vector soliton families in defocusing Kerr resonators

We report the existence of multi-peaked vector soliton families in normally dispersive passive Kerr resonators. Through cross-phase modulation between two orthogonal polarization components, each peak becomes tightly interlocked, enabling robust localization of the entire wave packet in defocusing cavities. Analysis using snakes-and-ladder diagrams demonstrates the diversity of these vector soliton families, which include dark-bright multi-peak solitons, flat-topped solitons, and modulation instability patterns, among others. Furthermore, stability analysis based on the coupled Lugiato-Lefever equations reveals that specific combinations of parameters can sustain stable vector cavity solitons, whose peak numbers can be continuously tuned by adding appropriate perturbations. These findings significantly expand the scope of soliton dynamics and optical frequency comb generation in pumped-dissipative systems, independent of dispersion conditions.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2021

Soliton linear-wave scattering in a Kerr microresonator

The nonlinear scattering of a linear optical wave from a conservative soliton has been widely studied in optical fibers as a mechanism for nonlinear frequency conversion. Here we extend this analysis to consider the scattering of an externally injected probe wave from a dissipative Kerr cavity soliton circulating in a Kerr microresonator. We demonstrate, both theoretically and experimentally, that this nonlinear interaction can be harnessed for useful expansion of the soliton frequency comb via the formation of a secondary idler comb. We explore the physics of the process, showing that the phase detuning of the injected probe from a cavity resonance plays a key role in setting the central frequency of the idler comb, thus providing a convenient parameter through which to control the spectral envelope of that comb. Our results elucidate the dynamics that govern the interactions between dissipative Kerr cavity solitons and externally injected probe waves, and could prove useful in the design of future Kerr frequency comb systems by enabling the possibility to provide high-power comb lines in a specified spectral region simply through the injection of a suitably chosen probe.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2021

Dual-microcomb generation in a synchronously-driven waveguide ring resonator

Microcombs -- optical frequency combs generated in coherently-driven nonlinear microresonators -- have attracted significant attention over the last decade. The ability to generate two such combs in a single resonator device has in particular enabled a host of applications from spectroscopy to imaging. Concurrently, novel comb generation techniques such as synchronous pulsed driving have been developed to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of microcomb generation. Here we report on the first experimental demonstration of dual-microcomb generation via synchronous pulsed pumping of a single microresonator. Specifically, we use two electro-optically generated pulse trains derived from a common continuous wave laser to simultaneously drive two orthogonal polarization modes of an integrated silica ring resonator, observing the generation of coherent dissipative Kerr cavity soliton combs on both polarization axes. Thanks to the resonator birefringence, the two soliton combs are associated with different repetition rates, thus realizing a dual-microcomb source. To illustrate the source's application potential, we demonstrate proof-of-concept spectroscopic measurements.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2017

Super cavity solitons and the coexistence of multiple nonlinear states in a tristable passive Kerr resonator

Passive Kerr cavities driven by coherent laser fields display a rich landscape of nonlinear physics, including bistability, pattern formation, and localised dissipative structures (solitons). Their conceptual simplicity has for several decades offered an unprecedented window into nonlinear cavity dynamics, providing insights into numerous systems and applications ranging from all-optical memory devices to microresonator frequency combs. Yet despite the decades of study, a recent theoretical study has surprisingly alluded to an entirely new and unexplored paradigm in the regime where nonlinearly tilted cavity resonances overlap with one another [T. Hansson and S. Wabnitz, J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 32, 1259 (2015)]. We have used synchronously driven fiber ring resonators to experimentally access this regime, and observed the rise of new nonlinear dissipative states. Specifically, we have observed, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, the stable coexistence of dissipative (cavity) solitons and extended modulation instability (Turing) patterns, and performed real time measurements that unveil the dynamics of the ensuing nonlinear structures. When operating in the regime of continuous wave tristability, we have further observed the coexistence of two distinct cavity soliton states, one of which can be identified as a "super" cavity soliton as predicted by Hansson and Wabnitz. Our experimental findings are in excellent agreement with theoretical analyses and numerical simulations of the infinite-dimensional Ikeda map that governs the cavity dynamics. The results from our work reveal that experimental systems can support complex combinations of distinct nonlinear states, and they could have practical implications to future microresonator-based frequency comb sources.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2015

Measurement of microresonator frequency comb stability by spectral interferometry

We demonstrate a new technique for the experimental measurement of the spectral coherence of microresonator optical frequency combs. Specifically, we use a spectral interference method, typically used in the context of supercontinuum generation, to explore the variation of the complex degree of first order coherence across the full comb bandwidth. We measure the coherence of two different frequency combs, and observe wholly different coherence characteristics. In particular, we find that the observed dynamical regimes are similar to the stable and unstable modulation instability regimes reported in previous theoretical studies. Results from numerical simulations are found to be in good agreement with experimental observations. In addition to demonstrating a new technique to assess comb stability, our results provide strong experimental support for previous theoretical analyses.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2015

Spontaneous creation and annihilation of temporal cavity solitons in a coherently-driven passive fiber resonator

We report on the experimental observation of spontaneous creation and annihilation of temporal cavity solitons (CSs) in a coherently-driven, macroscopic optical fiber resonator. Specifically, we show that CSs are spontaneously created when the frequency of the cavity driving field is tuned across a resonance, and that they can individually disappear at different stages of the scan. In contrast to previous experiments in monolithic microresonators, we are able to identify these dynamics in real time, thanks to the macroscopic dimensions of our resonator. Our experimental observations are in excellent agreement with numerical simulations. We also discuss the mechanisms responsible for the one-by-one disappearance of CSs.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2015

Writing and erasing of temporal cavity solitons by direct phase modulation of the cavity driving field

Temporal cavity solitons (CSs) are persisting pulses of light that can manifest themselves in continuously driven passive resonators, such as macroscopic fiber ring cavities and monolithic microresonators. Experiments so far have demonstrated two techniques for their excitation, yet both possess drawbacks in the form of system complexity or lack of control over soliton positioning. Here we experimentally demonstrate a new CS writing scheme that alleviates these deficiencies. Specifically, we show that temporal CSs can be excited at arbitrary positions through direct phase modulation of the cavity driving field, and that this technique also allows existing CSs to be selectively erased. Our results constitute the first experimental demonstration of temporal cavity soliton excitation via direct phase modulation, as well as their selective erasure (by any means). These advances reduce the complexity of CS excitation and could lead to controlled pulse generation in monolithic microresonators.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2014

Temporal tweezing of light: trapping and manipulation of temporal cavity solitons

Optical tweezers use laser light to trap and move microscopic particles in space. Here we demonstrate a similar control over ultrashort light pulses, but in time. Our experiment involves temporal cavity solitons that are stored in a passive loop of optical fiber pumped by a continuous-wave "holding" laser beam. The cavity solitons are trapped into specific time slots through a phase-modulation of the holding beam, and moved around in time by manipulating the phase profile. We report both continuous and discrete manipulations of the temporal positions of picosecond light pulses, with the ability to simultaneously and independently control several pulses within a train. We also study the transient drifting dynamics and show complete agreement with theoretical predictions. Our study demonstrates how the unique particle-like characteristics of cavity solitons can be leveraged to achieve unprecedented control over light. These results could have significant ramifications for optical information processing.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2014

Coherent supercontinuum generation in a silicon photonic wire in the telecommunication wavelength range

We demonstrate a fully coherent supercontinuum spectrum spanning 500 nm from a silicon-on-insulator photonic wire waveguide pumped at 1575 nm wavelength. An excellent agreement with numerical simulations is reported. The simulations also show that a high level of two-photon absorption can essentially enforce the coherence of the spectral broadening process irrespective of the pump pulse duration.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2014

Observation of dispersive wave emission by temporal cavity solitons

We examine a coherently-driven, dispersion-managed, passive Kerr fiber ring resonator and report the first direct experimental observation of dispersive wave emission by temporal cavity solitons. Our observations are in excellent agreement with analytical predictions and they are fully corroborated by numerical simulations. These results lead to a better understanding of the behavior of temporal cavity solitons under conditions where higher-order dispersion plays a significant role. Significantly, since temporal cavity solitons manifest themselves in monolithic microresonators, our results are likely to explain the origins of spectral features observed in broadband Kerr frequency combs.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2014

Third-order chromatic dispersion stabilizes Kerr frequency combs

Using numerical simulations of an extended Lugiato-Lefever equation, we analyze the stability and nonlinear dynamics of Kerr frequency combs generated in microresonators and fiber resonators taking into account third-order dispersion effects. We show that cavity solitons underlying Kerr frequency combs, normally sensitive to oscillatory and chaotic instabilities, are stabilized in a wide range of parameter space by third-order dispersion. Moreover, we demonstrate how the snaking structure organizing compound states of multiple cavity solitons is qualitatively changed by third-order dispersion, promoting an increased stability of Kerr combs underlined by a single cavity soliton.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2014

Experimental observation of the spontaneous breaking of the time-reversal symmetry in a synchronously-pumped passive Kerr resonator

We experimentally observe a spontaneous temporal symmetry breaking instability in a coherently-driven passive optical Kerr resonator. The cavity is synchronously pumped by time-symmetric pulses yet we report output pulses with strongly asymmetric temporal and spectral intensity profiles, with up to 71% of the energy on the same side of the pump center frequency. The instability occurs above a certain pump power threshold but remarkably vanishes above a second threshold, in excellent agreement with theory. We also observe a generalized bistability in which an asymmetric output state coexists with a symmetric one in the same pumping conditions.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2013

Coherence properties of Kerr frequency combs

We use numerical simulations based on an extended Lugiato-Lefever equation (LLE) to investigate the stability properties of Kerr frequency combs generated in microresonators. In particular, we show that an ensemble average calculated over sequences of output fields separated by a fixed number of resonator roundtrips allows the coherence of Kerr combs to be quantified in terms of the complex-degree of first-order coherence. We identify different regimes of comb coherence, linked to the solutions of the LLE. Our approach provides a practical and unambiguous way of assessing the stability of Kerr combs that is directly connected to an accessible experimental quantity.

physics.optics↗