Real-time observations of the transition dynamics between multiple nonlinear states in a coherently driven Kerr fiber-loop resonator

Passive Kerr fiber-loop resonators driven by coherent lasers exhibit a variety of nonlinear states, including modulation instability (MI), localized dissipative structures (solitons), and chaos. Although these transitions have been predicted theoretically, experimental real-time observations are rare in coherently driven Kerr fiber-loop resonators. In this study, we observed real-time transitions between the predicted nonlinear states by sweeping detuning both positively and negatively. We discovered the transition path between nonlinear states depending on the direction of detuning, providing new insights into the nonlinear dynamics. Our findings directly validate theoretical predictions and offer potential implications for future nonlinear optical applications.