Alternate oscillations in semiconductor ring lasers

Sorel, Marc; Laybourn, P.J.R.; Scire, A.; Balle, S.; Giuliani, G.; Miglierina, Riccardo; Donati, Silvano

doi:10.1364/ol.27.001992

Cited by 121 publications

(129 citation statements)

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“…An in-depth understanding of the mode-hopping in SRLs would shed light on the stochastic properties of the large class of Z 2 -symmetric systems. In spite of its importance, the problem of spontaneous directional switches in SRLs remains unaddressed, partly due to the high dimensionality of the models that have been proposed for SRLs [9,13].In this paper, we address the problem of such fluctuations both theoretically and experimentally. We experimentally investigate the properties of the residence time distribution (RTD) that quantifies the mode hopping.…”

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“…In the mode-hopping region, the time series of the power emitted in the CCW mode have been digitally recorded with the oscilloscope for different values of the bias current. Due to the anti-correlation of the two counterpropagating modes [9], a drop in power in the CW mode corresponds to an increase in power emitted in the CCW mode. The CCW mode's RTD have been obtained from the time series and are plotted in Fig.…”

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“…In order to explain our experimental results, we start from a classical rate-equation model, which accounts for both saturation and backscattering effects [9]. The evolution of the slowly varying envelopes of both complex counter-propagating fields (E 1 and E 2 ) and the carrier density (N ) is described by the following set of equations:…”

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

et al. 2008

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We investigate both theoretically and experimentally the stochastic switching between two counter-propagating 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. 42.55.Px,42.60.Mi Fluctuations in active optical systems such as lasers is one of today's technological challenges as well as a fundamental problem of modern physics as they are the result of the quantum nature of the interaction between light and matter [1]. Fluctuations are e.g. responsible for longitudinal mode switching in semiconductor lasers [2], polarization mode-hopping in Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) [3][4][5], and they play a fundamental role in stochastic and coherence resonances of optical systems [6][7][8].Semiconductor ring lasers (SRLs) are a particular class of lasers whose operation is strongly affected by stochastic fluctuations. The circular geometry of the active cavity allows a SRL to operate in two possible directions, namely clockwise mode (CW ) and counter-clockwise mode (CCW ). From the application point of view, SRLs are ideal candidates for all-optical information-storage. [9][10][11]. From a theoretical point of view, SRLs represent the optical prototype of nonlinear Z 2 -symmetric systems [12], which appear in many fields of physics.Fluctuations induce spontaneous abrupt changes in the SRL's directional operation from CW to CCW and vice versa, and therefore represent a major limitation to their successful applications for instance as optical memories. An in-depth understanding of the mode-hopping in SRLs would shed light on the stochastic properties of the large class of Z 2 -symmetric systems. In spite of its importance, the problem of spontaneous directional switches in SRLs remains unaddressed, partly due to the high dimensionality of the models that have been proposed for SRLs [9,13].In this paper, we address the problem of such fluctuations both theoretically and experimentally. We experimentally investigate the properties of the residence time distribution (RTD) that quantifies the mode hopping. Our theoretical analysis is based on an asymptotic reduction of a full rate-equation model to a Z 2 -symmetric planar system [14].We consider here an InP-based multiquantum-well SRL with a racetrack geometry and a free-spectralrange of 53.6 GHz. The device operates in a singletransverse, single-longitudinal mode regime at wavelength λ = 1.56µm. However, it will be clear from the rest of the discussion that our analysis is general and applies to any kind of ring geometry. A waveguide has been integrated on the same chip in order to couple power out from the ring. This bus waveguide can be independently biased in order to reduce absorption losses. The waveguide crosses the fa...

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confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2008

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“…Semiconductor Ring Lasers (SRLs) are currently the subject of many experimental and theoretical investigations, ranging from fundamental studies of its nonlinear dynamical behavior to multiple practical applications [1,2,3,4,5]. In particular, SRLs attract a lot of attention due to their bistability, providing the possibility of operation in either of the two counter-propagating directions.…”

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confidence: 99%