Normal dispersion Kerr cavity solitons: beyond the mean field limit

Abstract: We predict the existence of a novel type of temporal localized structure in injected Kerr--Gires--Tournois interferometers (KGTI). These bright pulses exist in the normal dispersion regime, yet they do not correspond to the usual scenario of domain wall locking that induces complex shape multistability, weak stability, and a reduced domain of existence. The new states are observed beyond the mean-field limit and out of the bistable region. Their shape is uniquely defined, with peak intensities beyond that of the upper steady state, and they are stable over a broad range of the injection field, highlighting their potential for optical frequency comb (OFC) generation.