Similarity properties in the dynamics of delayed-feedback semiconductor lasers

Abstract

Semiconductor lasers with delayed feedback exhibit two fundamentally different dynamical states: weak and strong chaos. We characterize experimentally the mechanism for the emergence of strong chaos. Based on these insights, we demonstrate similarity properties for long delays, i.e., similar dynamics for different pump currents when adjusting the feedback strength. For different delay times, even the same time- and amplitude-rescaled version of the dynamics can be generated. Using a simple rate-equation model, these properties can be corroborated. The results have major consequences for the characterization and tailoring of the dynamics for applications.