Nonlinear Dynamics of Multi-Section Tunable Lasers

Nonlinear dynamics of an optically-injected tunable three-section semiconductor laser have been investigated numerically. For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, we present stability maps, showing different types of the nonlinear behavior versus optical injection parameters, for different points of the tuning curve. Areas of stable locking, limit-cycle, and chaos change in a periodic manner as the lasing frequency undergoes staircase-shaped tuning controlled by the index of the distributed Bragg reflector section. Physical explanation relating this behavior to that of the relaxation oscillation frequency and damping factor is provided. These phenomena suggest that tuning can be an effective way to control laser stability properties. © 2010 IEEE.