We determined theoretically that the nonlinear dynamics of a Gaussian beam
is configuration dependent in a general cavity. This prediction was confirm
ed by numerical simulation in a Kerr-lens mode-locked cavity for which the
self-focusing effect is considered the nonlinear source in both the spatial
and the temporal domains. Period doubling, tripling, and quadrupling can o
ccur in these configurations with the products of generalized cavity G para
meters equal to 1/2, 1/4 (or 3/4), and (2 +/- root 2)/4, respectively. The
dynamic behavior of the cavity beam will become irregular if the nonlinear
effect is further increased. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America [S0740-322
4(00)00708-6] OCIS codes: 140.3410, 140.4050, 260.5950, 140.1540.