G. Van der Sande

Solitary and coupled semiconductor ring lasers as optical spiking neurons.

We theoretically investigate the possibility of generating pulses in an excitable (asymmetric) semiconductor ring laser (SRL) using optical trigger pulses. We show that the phase difference between the injected field and the electric field inside the SRL determines the direction of the perturbation in phase space. Due to the folded shape of the excitability threshold, this has an important influence on the ability to cross it. A mechanism for exciting multiple consecutive pulses using a single trigger pulse (i.e., multipulse excitability) is revealed. We furthermore investigate the possibility of using asymmetric SRLs in a coupled configuration, which is a first step toward an all-optical neural network using SRLs as building blocks.

Exploring Multistability in Semiconductor Ring Lasers: Theory and Experiment

We report the first experimental observation of multistable states in a single-longitudinal mode semiconductor ring laser. We show how the operation of the device can be steered to either monostable, bistable, or multistable dynamical regimes in a controlled way. We observe that the dynamical regimes are organized in well-reproducible sequences that match the bifurcation diagrams of a two-dimensional model. By analyzing the phase space in this model, we predict how the stochastic transitions between multistable states take place and confirm it experimentally.

Two-dimensional phase-space analysis and bifurcation study of the dynamical behaviour of a semiconductor ring laser

A basic rate equation model of a quantum-well semiconductor ring laser is reduced to two equations using asymptotic methods. The reduced model allows for analytical expressions of the bifurcation points, which will simplify future model parameter estimations, and motivates a two-dimensional phase-space description of the dynamical behaviour. An analysis of the bifurcation scenarios in different parameter regimes is pursued. Physical conditions for the emergence of the operating regimes are assessed quantitatively in terms of saturation processes and backscattering mechanisms.

Optical injection in semiconductor ring lasers

We theoretically investigate optical injection in semiconductor ring lasers and disclose several dynamical regimes. Through numerical simulations and bifurcation continuation, two separate parameter regions in which two different injection-locked solutions coexist are revealed, in addition to a region in which a frequency-locked limit cycle coexists with an injection-locked solution. Finally, an antiphase chaotic regime without the involvement of any carrier dynamics is revealed. Parallels are drawn with the onset of chaos in the periodically forced Duffing oscillator.

Topological Insight into the Non-Arrhenius Mode Hopping of Semiconductor Ring Lasers

We investigate both theoretically and experimentally the stochastic switching between two counterpropagating lasing modes of a semiconductor ring laser. Experimentally, the residence time distribution cannot be described by a simple one-parameter Arrhenius exponential law and reveals the presence of two different mode-hop scenarios with distinct time scales. In order to elucidate the origin of these two time scales, we propose a topological approach based on a two-dimensional dynamical system.

Excitability in semiconductor microring lasers: Experimental and theoretical pulse characterization

We characterize the operation of semiconductor microring lasers in an excitable regime. Our experiments reveal a statistical distribution of the characteristics of noise-triggered optical pulses that is not observed in other excitable systems. In particular, an inverse correlation exists between the pulse amplitude and duration. Numerical simulations and an interpretation in an asymptotic phase space confirm and explain these experimentally observed pulse characteristics.

Phase-space approach to directional switching in semiconductor ring lasers

We show that a topological investigation of the phase space of a semiconductor ring laser can be used to devise switching schemes which are alternative to optical pulse injection of counterpropagating light. To provide physical insight in these switching mechanisms, a full bifurcation analysis and an investigation of the topology is performed on a two-dimensional asymptotic model. Numerical simulations confirm the topological predictions.

The effects of stress, temperature, and spin flips on polarization switching in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

We discuss the effect of uniaxial planar stress on polarization switching in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). The approach is based on an explicit form of a frequency-dependent complex susceptibility of the uniaxially stressed quantum-well semiconductor material. In this mesoscopic framework, we have taken cavity anisotropies, spin carrier dynamics, and thermal shift of the gain curve into account. In this way, we present a model that provides a global overview of the polarization switching phenomenon. The results are compared with experiments on an air-post VCSEL operating at 980 nm

Low-Frequency Fluctuations in Semiconductor Ring Lasers With Optical Feedback

In this paper, we experimentally and numerically study the dynamics of semiconductor ring lasers that are subjected to long delay and moderate self-feedback. Through varying the pump current or the feedback strength or both, we study the appearance and parameter dependence of low frequency fluctuations in these systems. In particular, we observe different routes to the building up of the initial power amplitude.

Semiconductor ring lasers coupled by a single waveguide

We experimentally and theoretically study the characteristics of semiconductor ring lasers bidirectionally coupled by a single bus waveguide. This configuration has, e.g., been suggested for use as an optical memory and as an optical neural network motif. The main results are that the coupling can destabilize the state in which both rings lase in the same direction, and it brings to life a state with equal powers at both outputs. These are both undesirable for optical memory operation. Although the coupling between the rings is bidirectional, the destabilization occurs due to behavior similar to an optically injected laser system.