Physics and Applications of Laser Diode Chaos

TL;DR

This paper reviews the physics of laser diode chaos, experimental achievements, theoretical explanations, and explores potential applications like secure communications and random number generation, highlighting future research directions.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of laser diode chaos, combining experimental, theoretical, and application perspectives, and identifies future research avenues.

Findings

Laser diodes exhibit controllable chaotic behavior.

Chaotic laser diodes can be used for secure communications.

Potential for random number generation using laser chaos.

Abstract

An overview of chaos in laser diodes is provided which surveys experimental achievements in the area and explains the theory behind the phenomenon. The fundamental physics underpinning this behaviour and also the opportunities for harnessing laser diode chaos for potential applications are discussed. The availability and ease of operation of laser diodes, in a wide range of configurations, make them a convenient test-bed for exploring basic aspects of nonlinear and chaotic dynamics. It also makes them attractive for practical tasks, such as chaos-based secure communications and random number generation. Avenues for future research and development of chaotic laser diodes are also identified.