Nonlinear Dynamics of solitary and optically-injected spin vertical-cavity lasers

This work investigates the nonlinear dynamics and polarisation properties of Spin-Vertical-(External)-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (V(E)CSELs). The focus is on gaining a broad understanding of the various polarised resolved nonlinear dynamical effects in solitary and injected 1300 nm spin-V(E)CSELs. We report a comprehensive study including theory, based on the Spin Flip Model, and experiments of the stability characteristics of solitary 1300 nm dilute nitride Quantum-Well (QW) spin-VCSELs. Various forms of oscillatory behaviour causing self-sustained oscillations in the polarisation of the spin-VCSEL subject to Continuous-Wave (CW) pumping are found. Additionally, this work is extended to study experimentally and theoretically the evolution of the output polarisation ellipticity, and experimentally the nonlinear dynamics of the light polarisation emitted by the QW spin VCSELs under polarised optical injection. Rich nonlinear dynamics of the optically injected QW spin-VCSEL are reported ranging from polarisation control, polarisation switching and bistability to periodic oscillations and chaos. Good agreement is found between measurements and calculations where theoretical results are available. We also report the first 1300 nm Quantum-Dot (QD) Semiconductor Disk Laser (SDL) using a very simple and compact laser configuration involving a high reflection (HR)-coated fibre as the top mirror. Moreover, by applying spin injection to the 1300 nm SDL via CW polarised optical pumping we also demonstrate the first 1300 nm QD spin Vertical-External-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (Spin-VECSEL). This is also accompanied by an investigation of the dynamics of the solitary 1300 nm QD spin-VECSEL. Finally, we present the first experimental study of the evolution of the output polarisation ellipticity and nonlinear dynamics of the 1300 nm QD spin-VECSEL under polarised optical injection. Our findings show nonlinear effects similar to the ones seen in optically injected QW spin-VCSELs.