Self-pulsing instabilities in an optical parametric oscillator: Experimental observation and modeling of the mechanism - art. no. 021805

We have observed sustained self-pulsing in a continuously pumped, triply re sonant, optical parametric oscillator. From the analysis of our experimenta l data, we conclude that the instability mechanism is different from the Ho pf bifurcation predicted by the classical model of parametric interaction. Self-pulsing results from the interplay of a slow variable (temperature) an d the optical bistability cycle, leading to a singularly perturbed system. From simple arguments, we propose a minimal dynamical model that reproduces well the observed behaviors.