Coherence–incoherence transition in nonlinear wave interactions

Abstract

In this paper we analyze the transition from coherent to incoherent wave dynamics in a broad-band triplet interaction, where, in contrast to previous models, wave vector selection rules are imposed on the nonlinear terms of the governing equations. As a general rule, nonlinear terms induce coherence via a phase-locking process. However, wave vector spread also results from nonlinearity and can affect coherence when resonant modes are excited.