Nonlinear dynamics of a modulated bidirectional solid-state ring laser

Abstract

We investigate the dynamical behavior of a class-B, bidirectional, solid-state ring laser with a square-wave modulated pump. Our treatment includes the coupling of oppositely directed traveling wave modes via backscattering in addition to their coupling via the gain medium. We find that depending on the pump ratio and the depth and frequency of modulation, the intensity waveforms of the two oppositely directed modes may exhibit periodic, quasi-periodic, and chaotic behavior. We also find that although the periodic waveforms of mode intensities are antisynchronized, chaotic waveforms may be synchronized or unsynchronized. A detailed map of different operating regimes as functions of frequency and depth of modulation is presented. Curves are presented to illustrate the behavior.