Phase-space four stability in the cascaded parametric down-conversion

Four-photon correlated states in the scheme of two sequential parametric do wn-conversion processes coupled with the chi ((3))-nonlinear self-phase mod ulation of the cavity modes are considered. The generation regimes of the m odes are semiclassically analyzed. Above threshold bistable generation regi me with two stable branches, which have definite nonzero intensities, as di stinct from the most semiclassically bistable schemes is observed. Phase-sp ace multistability of the cavity modes is investigated by the Wigner functi ons calculated on the quantum-jump simulations. (C) 2000 Published by Elsev ier Science B.V.