Nonlinear Dynamics of Phase-Locked Semiconductor Laser Arrays

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The University of Michigan and Oregon Graduate Center are collaborating on theoretical and experimental investigation of the nonlinear spatio-temporal dynamics of phase-locked semiconductor laser arrays. These arrays are of great technological importance as high power sources for applications such as optical communications, optical data recording, and optical pumping of rare-earth solid state lasers. In this proposed program, the process of self-organization in which a collection of initially independent lasers lock to produce a spatially coherent structure will be studied. The stability of the phase-locked state will be studied and means will be devised to enhance the temporal stability of laser arrays. Their response to current modulation will also be investigated. When stable phase locking of the array is not achieved, the predicted behavior includes regular self-pulsations, temporally chaotic structures, and full developed spatio-temporal chaos. The various operating regimes of laser arrays will be characterized by means of a streak camera that permits real- time monitoring of spatio-temporal phenomena with a 2-picosecond temporal resolution. The results of this investigation will not only extend our understanding of the collective behavior of coupled nonlinear oscillators but will aid the technologically important quest for stable, compact, high power semiconductor laser sources.