Transverse mode selection and dynamic behavior of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers subject to optical injection

Abstract

A theoretical investigation of the static and dynamic behaviour of an optically injected multitransverse mode vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser is performed. Selection of the fundamental transverse mode is induced by injecting light with a polarization that is parallel to the one of the fundamental mode. We analyze two different situations. The first one corresponds to operation in the fundamental and first higher-order transverse modes. Selection of the fundamental mode is achieved when the polarization of both transverse modes is parallel or orthogonal. The second situation corresponds to operation in more than two transverse modes. Selection of the fundamental mode is obtained when the higher order modes are orthogonally polarized to the fundamental mode. The injected power required for that selection is much higher than in the two-mode operation. That selection is not obtained when the higher order modes are parallel to the fundamental mode. A rich variety of nonlinear dynamics have been found out of the stable locking operation. A regime where the fundamental and first higher order mode evolve in a chaotic way is found for small positive detunings and small injection powers.