Frequency-domain model of optical frequency-comb generation in optical resonators with second- and third-order nonlinearities

Abstract: We developed a frequency-domain model describing optical frequency-comb generation in optical resonators with second- and third-order nonlinearities. Compared with time-domain models, our model in principle allows one to express the cavity dispersion accurately, avoiding the dispersion being truncated beyond a certain order. Moreover, the frequency-domain model can readily include frequency dependence of system parameters, such as the linear absorption and the cavity coupling ratio. To demonstrate the validity of our model, we numerically simulated quadratic combs in a singly resonant second-harmonic generation cavity and Kerr combs in a micro-resonator as two examples. The simulated results obtained from the frequency-domain model agree well with those given by previous time-domain models. A system containing both second- and third-order nonlinearities can give rise to many novel physical dynamics. The developed frequency-domain model will contribute to understanding optical frequency-comb generation assisted by multi-order nonlinear processes in various optical resonators.