Dissipative Light Bullets in Kerr Cavities: Multistability, Clustering, and Rogue Waves

We report the existence of stable dissipative light bullets in Kerr cavities. These three-dimensional (3D) localized structures consist of either an isolated light bullet (LB), bound together, or could occur in clusters forming well-defined 3D patterns. They can be seen as stationary states in the reference frame moving with the group velocity of light within the cavity. The number of LBs and their distribution in 3D settings are determined by the initial conditions, while their maximum peak power remains constant for a fixed value of the system parameters. Their bifurcation diagram allows us to explain this phenomenon as a manifestation of homoclinic snaking for dissipative light bullets. However, when the strength of the injected beam is increased, LBs lose their stability and the cavity field exhibits giant, short-living 3D pulses. The statistical characterization of pulse amplitude reveals a long tail probability distribution, indicating the occurrence of extreme events, often called rogue waves.

Automated summary

Stable dissipative light bullets are found in Kerr cavities, forming isolated structures or clusters. The number and distribution of light bullets are determined by initial conditions, with constant peak power. Increasing beam strength leads to unstable light bullets and the formation of giant, short-lived pulses, with statistical characteristics revealing extreme events known as rogue waves.