Abstract

The subject of semiconductor diode lasers with phase conjugate feedback has recently attracted considerable attention. Research has focused on two specific areas. Firstly, such a system is an example of an optical non-linear dynamic system that displays various dynamic behaviours including optical chaos. Such behaviour for single mode diode lasers subject to phase conjugate feedback and its difference from single mode diode lasers subject to conventional optical feedback has been experimentally investigated [1] and theoretically modelled by a number of groups (eg [2]). Secondly, phase conjugate feedback is increasingly used with broad area diode lasers and laser diode arrays for improvement in spatial and spectral characteristics (which are typically poor in these devices when free-running), and for coupling and injection with other diode laser sources. There is little experimental knowledge of the dynamic states of broad area diode lasers with phase conjugate feedback, and no comparison with the case of narrow waveguide diode lasers with phase conjugate feedback.

© 2000 IEEE