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 using multimode rate equations, which include the effects of spatial gratings and birefringence of the intracavity optical elements. We use the methods of dynamical systems theory to prove the existence of Shil'nikov behavior. Experimental observations of Shil'nikov chaos were carried out with a miniature lithium-neodymium-tetraphosphate (LNP) laser with an intracavity KTP doubler. Numerical modeling is in good agreement with experimental results.