We show that, in vectorial intracavity second-harmonic generation, symmetry breaking occurs if the input amplitude exceeds a critical value. The resulting asymmetric stationary solutions are characterized by a second harmonic that is independent of the input amplitude. The solutions can destabilize through Hopf bifurcations, leading to self-oscillations with pronounced antiphase dynamics. We demonstrate that symmetry breaking can be exploited for flip-flop operation. (C) 1998 Optical Society of America. [References: 13]
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