Nonlinear dynamics of semiconductor lasers: Theory and experiments

The dynamics of semiconductor lasers under external influences are examined. In particular, the focus is on two possible configurations: the semiconductor laser under optical injection, and under delayed optical feedback. The injection model for the case of weak injection and large detuning is analyzed and experimental results are used to first determine the parameters that appear in the dynamical equations. A second injection is then used to probe the injection locked system and investigate theoretically and experimentally the response of this system. The stability boundaries of both configurations are analyzed and limit points and Hopf bifurcations points are determined. For the delayed feedback model a large number of external cavity modes can become available to the system for strong feedback and long external cavities, and a series of cascades close to threshold appears to be the route into the Low Frequency Fluctuations. A state that shows similarities with the Low Frequency Fluctuations but appears to be more regular is characterized experimentally and numerically.