Downconversion resonance: Energy Transition Between Degrees of Freedom with Several Orders of Magnitude Timescale Difference

Arkady Kurnosov

Wesleyan University -

We propose a mechanism of energy conversion between degrees of freedom which frequencies differ by several orders of magnitude. In optomechanics this effect could occur when laser beam drives a nonlinear photonic cavity with moveable mirror attached to a mount by elastic spring. With proper choice of parameters the system is capable of self-tuning in such a way that the mechanical degree of freedom is driven by resonant component of the photonic ponderomotive force. The intrinsic nonlinearity causes hysteresis in optical mode behavior vs mirror position, which makes mechanical work production possible. We solve the problem analytically in a framework of coupled modes theory. Also, we propose a experiment for electromechanical platform supported by numerical simulations.