Coupler-loss and coupling-coefficient dependence of bistability and instability in a fiber ring resonator: Nonlinear behaviors

In this paper we demonstrate the dynamic simulation of light traveling in a nonlinear fiber optic ring resonator (FORR) with a single coupler. The mathematical relations describing the nonlinear characteristics of the FORR are derived from light transmission theory in linear optical systems. Optical nonlinear phenomena such as bifurcation and chaos are investigated for optical bistability and the Ikeda instability. It is found that for the Ikeda instability of light inside a FORR, the ring-cavity lifetime is much longer than the Kerr-effect response time of the fiber ring. Transmission curves of bistability and instability are shown as a function of the coupler insertion losses (γ) and the coupling coefficients (κ). © World Scientific Publishing Company.