Nonlinear dynamics of semiconductor lasers with active optical feedback

An in-depth theoretical as well as experimental analysis of the nonlinear dynamics in semiconductor lasers with active optical feedback is presented. Use of a monolithically integrated multi-section device of sub-mm total length provides access to the short-cavity regime. By introducing an amplifier section as novel feature, phase and strength of the feedback can be separately tuned. In this way, the number of modes involved in the laser action can be adjusted. We predict and observe specific dynamical scenarios. Bifurcations mediate various transitions in the device output, from single-mode steady-state to self-pulsation and between different kinds of self-pulsations, reaching eventually chaotic behavior in the multi-mode limit