Nonlinear dynamical properties of frequency swept fiber-based semiconductor lasers

Abstract

We investigate dynamics of semiconductor lasers with fiber-based unidirectional ring cavity that can be used as frequency swept sources. We identify key factors behind the reach dynamical behavior of such lasers using state-of-the-art experimental and analytical methods. Experimentally, we study the laser in static, quasi-static and synchronization regimes. We apply experimental methods such as optical heterodyne or electric field reconstruction in order to characterize these regimes or study the mechanisms of transition between them. Using a delay differential equation model, we demonstrate that the presence of chromatic dispersion can lead to destabilization of the laser modes through modulational instability, which results in undesirable chaotic emission. We characterize the instability threshold both theoretically and experimentally, and demonstrate deterioration of the Fourier domain mode locking regime near the threshold.