Chaotic bursting in semiconductor lasers

TL;DR

This paper explores the chaotic bursting behavior in semiconductor lasers with delayed optical feedback, analyzing the dynamics, parameter regions, and stability using mathematical models and geometric singular perturbation theory.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of low frequency fluctuations in semiconductor lasers, applying geometric singular perturbation theory to characterize bursting oscillations.

Findings

Identification of parameter regions with low frequency fluctuations

Computation of Lyapunov spectra for stability analysis

Characterization of solutions as bursting slow-fast oscillations

Abstract

We investigate the dynamic mechanisms for low frequency fluctuations in semiconductor lasers subject to delayed optical feedback, using the Lang-Kobayashi model. This system of delay differential equations displays pronounced envelope dynamics, ranging from erratic, so called low frequency fluctuations to regular pulse packages, if the time scales of fast oscillations and envelope dynamics are well separated. We investigate the parameter regions where low frequency fluctuations occur and compute their Lyapunov spectrum. Using geometric singular perturbation theory, we study this intermittent chaotic behavior and characterize these solutions as bursting slow-fast oscillations.