Theoretical study on polarization dynamics of VCSELs with negative optoelectronic feedback

Abstract

We investigate theoretically the polarization dynamics of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) subjected to negative optoelectronic feedback. As we vary the feedback delay and strength, the VCSEL exhibits interesting nonlinear dynamics in the two-linear polarized directions. The output instability and negative current modulation induced by delayed feedback can also cause polarization switching (PS) to happen. In addition, we investigate the case when the free-running VCSEL emits in the modulated-elliptical state and find that the laser experiences in succession the elliptical polarization, the x-mode polarization, and the mixed-mode polarization states with an increasing feedback strength.