Inverse problems of nonlinear dynamics of vector class-Alasers with anisotropic Kerr-type material

Abstract

Nonlinear behavior of weakly anisotropic (vector) lasers with fast material dynamics (class-A lasers) containing an anisotropic Kerr-type nonlinear material inside the cavity has been theoretically explored. Among interesting periodic amplitude-polarization dynamics, such vector nonlinear systems exhibit important features which are promising for progress in the elaboration of simple, inexpensive, and highly sensitive methods of measurement. In particular, it is shown that under stationary laser operation, the turning angle of the polarization plane of the emitted field is a unique measure of the field-independent anisotropy of the Kerr material. In contrast, dynamical features of the system behavior reflect solely influence of the third-order Kerr nonlinearity. As a consequence, the modulus and sign of the coefficient of this nonlinearity can be determined when a linearly polarized laser mode is destabilized at the corresponding Hopf bifurcation point. Accuracy and sensitivity of the measurements in this system can be enhanced by the bistability phenomenon, which is an inherent feature of vector lasers. The dynamics of this system subject to the action of a longitudinal magnetic field is also investigated.