SHILNIKOV CASE OF ANTIPHASE DYNAMICS IN A MULTIMODE LASER

We describe Shil'nikov chaos in the antiphase dynamics of a multimode laser with intracavity second-harmonic generation. A theoretical model of a laser operating with a sparse-mode spectrum has been studied usi ng multimode rate equations, which include the effects of spatial grat ings and birefringence of the intracavity optical elements. We use the methods of dynamical systems theory to prove the existence of Shil'ni kov behavior. Experimental observations of Shil'nikov chaos were carri ed out with a miniature lithium-neodymium-tetraphosphate (LNP) laser w ith an intracavity KTP doubler. Numerical modeling is in good agreemen t with experimental results.