Polarization-resolved nonlinear dynamics in long-wavelength single-mode VCSELs subject to orthogonal optical injection

Abstract

In this work we perform an experimental study of the polarization-resolved nonlinear dynamics of a 1550 nm single-mode linearly polarized VCSEL when subject to orthogonal optical injection. We have measured the stability maps that identify the boundaries between regions of different nonlinear dynamics by using the RF-spectrum of the total power. These maps are measured in the plane of the frequency detuning between the injected light and the orthogonal linear polarization of the VCSEL versus injected power. Stability maps are obtained for two different values of the bias current. Analysis of the dynamics is given in terms of the time traces of the total power and of both linearly polarized output signals. The corresponding RF and optical spectra are also measured. Different dynamical regimes including periodic, period doubling, and irregular dynamics are observed for both polarizations. When the frequency detuning is positive polarization switching can be observed in a periodic dynamical regime, including both period one and period two behaviours. For positive frequency detuning, the only polarization that contributes to the dynamics of the total power is the orthogonal polarization. For negative frequency detuning values both linear polarizations contribute to the dynamics of the total power.