Dynamics of a semiconductor laser with polarization-rotated feedback and its utilization for random bit generation.

Chaotic semiconductor lasers have been proven attractive for fast random bit generation. To follow this strategy, simple robust systems and a systematic approach determining the required dynamical properties and most suitable conditions for this application are needed. We show that dynamics of a single mode laser with polarization-rotated feedback are optimal for random bit generation when characterized simultaneously by a broad power spectrum and low autocorrelation.

Simple and complex square waves in an edge-emitting diode laser with polarization-rotated optical feedback.

Numerical and experimental results are presented for an edge-emitting diode laser with delayed optical feedback, where the polarization state of the feedback is rotated such that the natural laser mode is coupled into the orthogonal, unsupported mode. We examine the bifurcation structure and dynamics that give rise to a class of periodic, polarization-modulated solutions, the simplest of which is a square wave solution with a period related to but longer than twice the external cavity roundtrip time. Such solutions typically emerge when the feedback is strong and the differential losses in the normally unsupported polarization mode are small.

Asymmetric square waves in mutually coupled semiconductor lasers with orthogonal optical injection.

Two edge-emitting lasers mutually coupled through orthogonal optical injection exhibit square-wave oscillations in their polarization modes. The TE and TM modes within each individual laser are always in antiphase, but the TE mode of one laser leads the TM of the other by the one-way time of flight between lasers. The duty cycle of the square waves is tunable with pump current and coupling strength, while the total period remains close to the roundtrip time.

Mixed external cavity mode dynamics in a semiconductor laser.

We observe experimentally and numerically novel mixed-mode dynamic states of a diode laser subject to two delayed optical feedbacks. These states have been proposed and analyzed within the framework of the Lang-Kobayashi single-feedback model. Such states are combinations of two distinct external cavity modes and can be identified through a characteristic sequence of a Hopf bifurcation followed by a secondary quasi-periodic bifurcation.

Square-wave self-modulation in diode lasers with polarization-rotated optical feedback.

The square-wave response of edge-emitting diode lasers subject to a delayed polarization-rotated optical feedback is studied in detail. Specifically, the polarization state of the feedback is rotated such that the natural laser mode is coupled into the orthogonal, unsupported mode. Square-wave self-modulated polarization intensities oscillating in antiphase are observed experimentally.

Experimental synchronization of chaos in diode lasers with polarization-rotated feedback and injection.

We demonstrate experimental chaos synchronization between two chaotic semiconductor lasers subjected to polarization-rotated optical feedback and unidirectional injection. This system allows high-quality synchronization to be obtained between dissimilar lasers in a wide range of chaotic operating regimes. Another feature of this system is its operation at high characteristic frequencies, taking advantage of all-optical implementation.

Controlling chaos in a fast diode resonator using extended time-delay autosynchronization: Experimental observations and theoretical analysis.

We stabilize unstable periodic orbits of a fast diode resonator driven at 10.1 MHz (corresponding to a drive period under 100 ns) using extended time-delay autosynchronization. Stabilization is achieved by feedback of an error signal that is proportional to the difference between the value of a state variable and an infinite series of values of the state variable delayed in time by integral multiples of the period of the orbit.