Nonlinear transition between PT-symmetric and PT-broken modes in coupled fiber lasers

We present a systematic analysis of the stationary regimes of nonlinear parity-time (PT) symmetric laser composed of two coupled fiber cavities. We find that power-dependent nonlinear phase shifters broaden regions of existence of both PT-symmetric and PT-broken modes, and can facilitate transitions between modes of different types. We show the existence of non-stationary regimes and demonstrate an ambiguity of the transition process for some of the unstable states. We also identify the presence of higher-order stationary modes, which return to the initial state periodically after a certain number of round-trips. (C) 2020 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement